Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has raised concerns about the growing migration of Nigerian medical professionals, describing the situation as “alarming.”
He urged the government at all levels to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers in a bid to curb the increasing brain drain and enhance the quality of medical services in the country.
Obasanjo shared his views during the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, on Thursday.
Represented by the Medical Director of FMC, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, Obasanjo emphasized the detrimental impact of Nigeria’s current economic challenges on the health sector.
Speaking on the theme “Evolving Roles of Doctors in Healthcare Management and Nation Building,” Obasanjo highlighted the vital role resident doctors play in the nation’s healthcare system.
“Resident doctors are the cornerstone of medical services in any country, and Nigeria is no different,” he stated. He further noted that “without resident doctors, it would be impossible to deliver any meaningful healthcare service.”
Obasanjo expressed concern over the so-called “Japa syndrome,” referring to the increasing rate at which skilled professionals, especially doctors, are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“The rate at which this migration is affecting our health sector is alarming. Many specialized departments in our hospitals have been forced to shut down because the experts are leaving in droves,” Obasanjo lamented.
He then called on the government to take immediate action to improve the welfare of doctors, ensuring that they are adequately compensated for their hard work.
“Having witnessed the dedication of resident doctors in our hospitals, I strongly appeal that their welfare be given utmost priority,” Obasanjo added.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State commended the doctors for their steadfast contributions to society despite the tough working conditions.
Represented by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, Abiodun highlighted the environmental impact of medical waste, calling on healthcare professionals to take responsibility for reducing their ecological footprint.
“Medical waste contributes to 30% of environmental challenges worldwide. If we do not begin to address this issue, what kind of planet will we be leaving for our children?” Coker asked.
He urged doctors to be innovative in their approach to waste management and to explore options for recycling medical materials.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dele Olaitan, also addressed his colleagues, reminding them of their crucial role in sustaining the nation’s healthcare system.
“Doctors are the backbone of healthcare. I encourage all of us to continue offering the highest standards of care to our patients,” Olaitan said.
The conference highlighted the urgent need for government intervention in the health sector to improve conditions for medical professionals and stem the tide of brain drain, which threatens to cripple Nigeria’s healthcare delivery.
