The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara Branch, on Tuesday alerted that only 650 medical doctors attend to over 3.6 million population in Kwara.
Dr. Ola Ahmed, the NMA Chairman, stated this in Ilorin during a news conference ahead of the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association.
Ahmed, rounding up his two-year tenure as chairman, expressed concern over the shortage of healthcare workers despite significant achievements in the sector.
He noted that many health workers continue to leave the state and country for better opportunities abroad, citing economic hardship, insecurity, and poor medical infrastructure as primary reasons.
“A lot of our colleagues have been lost to brain drain in the name of Japa. This has really affected the delivery of services to the populace,” Ahmed said.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for substantial investments in healthcare delivery in the state, including the approval of consequential salary adjustments, which he believes will motivate members and reduce the brain drain.
The Kwara NMA chairman highlighted the Association’s achievements, such as contributing to the establishment of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) and securing approvals and payments for the adjusted 2019 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), Skipping, and Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Ahmed also mentioned improvements in member welfare, including an upgraded solar power system at the Secretariat, dedicated internet service, and a furnished library.
The 2024 Annual General Meeting activities include a medical outreach at the state secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), a scientific conference, sports events, and elections.
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