… NMA Says More Physicians Now Outside Country
… Poor Welfare, Better Pay Abroad Drive Exodus
Daud Olatunji
The Nigeria Medical Association has revealed that more than 50,000 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently practising outside the country, intensifying concerns over worsening brain drain and its impact on the nation’s fragile healthcare system.
The NMA National President, Bala Mohammed Audu, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Kalapanzi Barracks in Kakuri, Kaduna, at the weekend, where he commended the Nigerian military for its role in national security and healthcare delivery.
Audu lamented that Nigeria now has more of its doctors working abroad than within its borders, attributing the development to aggressive international recruitment and more attractive welfare packages overseas.
“There seems to be more Nigerian doctors outside the shores of this country than there are within the country. We are talking about over 50,000 doctors practising outside Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the exodus is a reflection of the high quality of medical training in the country, which has made Nigerian doctors highly sought after globally.
“A lot of the time, it is not just that Nigerian doctors are leaving; countries come into Nigeria to recruit them, even when they did not apply to go abroad,” he added.
The NMA president also highlighted internal migration within Nigeria’s health sector, noting that doctors frequently move from one institution to another in search of improved welfare conditions.
He, however, praised the military for offering better incentives, saying the Military Salary Structure is more attractive than the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
Audu urged doctors to consider joining the armed forces, stressing that improved remuneration and working conditions could help curb the tide of migration and reduce medical tourism.
Responding, the Commanding Officer of the 312 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel I.J. Ufua, described the NMA delegation’s visit as historic.
“I don’t think the unit has gotten this privilege to have this great team in our midst. On behalf of the officers and men of this regiment, I sincerely welcome you to Kalapanzi Barracks,” he said.
Nigeria has in recent years grappled with recurring industrial disputes in the health sector, poor remuneration, insecurity and inadequate infrastructure factors analysts say are fuelling the mass departure of health professionals.
Healthcare stakeholders warn that unless urgent reforms are implemented to improve welfare, working conditions and security, the country may face a deeper crisis in manpower shortages across public hospitals.
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