In a bid to tackle the ongoing brain drain and workforce shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare system, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on all tiers of government to prioritize and enhance the welfare of healthcare professionals.
Obasanjo made this appeal during the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which took place at the Federal Medical Center in Abeokuta on Thursday.
Addressing the conference, themed ‘Evolving Roles Of Doctors In Healthcare Management and Nation Building,’ the former leader pointed out that the current economic difficulties are driving healthcare practitioners to seek better opportunities abroad.
Represented by the Medical Director of the facility, Musa Olomu, Obasanjo expressed concern over the impact of the ‘Japa syndrome,’ which has seen a significant exodus of specialized doctors from Nigeria.
He stated, “Resident doctors form the foundation of any medical service a nation provides, and Nigeria is no exception. It is crucial for governments at every level to establish robust welfare programs for doctors, as their contributions are vital for delivering substantial healthcare services.”
Recognizing the extensive efforts of resident doctors within hospitals, he urged for better attention to their welfare. “I hope that by the conclusion of this conference, the Federal Government, along with state and local governments, will commit to enhancing the welfare of not just doctors but all healthcare workers,” he added.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking at the event, acknowledged the dedication of doctors who continue to serve society amid challenging conditions, including poor infrastructure and workforce shortages.
He assured attendees that the current administration is actively working to improve these issues, stating, “In the coming years, we will witness a transformation. Over the past year, we have mobilized resources to upgrade our infrastructure, acquire proper equipment, and invest in the training of healthcare workers.”
Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, emphasized the importance of environmental protection, noting that healthcare waste contributes to 30% of global environmental challenges.
