The Exodus of Nigerian Doctors: A Crisis Looming for Healthcare in Nigeria – In recent years, there has been a notable exodus of Nigerian doctors seeking opportunities in foreign lands. An investigation by Sunday PUNCH has thrown light on this alarming trend, highlighting the migration of 281 Nigerian doctors to other African countries, as per data from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Why are Nigerian Doctors Leaving?
Despite warnings from the World Health Organisation about the severe health workforce challenges faced by Nigeria, this migration continues unabated. This trend is severely affecting the functioning of Nigerian hospitals, which are being deserted by medical professionals. The Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, Prof. Emem Bassey, voiced his concern about African countries actively recruiting Nigerian doctors, with offers ranging from $3,000 to $4,000.
These figures seem small when one learns that Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, the President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, was offered $6,500 per month to practice in Liberia in 2020. Muhammad emphasizes the myriad of reasons behind this migration, from the lure of higher salaries abroad to the lack of basic amenities and proper working conditions in Nigeria.
The Numbers Tell a Story
According to the data:
- Sudan has attracted 153 Nigerian doctors.
- South Africa houses 41.
- Egypt and Ghana each have 17.
- Uganda has 13, and Gambia has 7.
The list continues with other African nations, but a startling revelation is the number of Nigerian-trained doctors in the UK. A whopping 11,872 Nigerian doctors are now practicing in the UK, making Nigeria the third-highest contributor of foreign doctors to the UK, only after India and Pakistan.
Voices from the Medical Community
The situation has drawn comments from various quarters:
- Dr. Emeka Orji, the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, termed the situation “shameful”. He pointed out that Nigerian doctors are preferring countries with weaker economies because of better treatment, working conditions, and remuneration.
- Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Chapter, stressed the need for the government to address this brain drain urgently. He suggested increasing the welfare and remuneration of doctors, especially those willing to practice in rural areas.
- The World Health Organisation has also flagged Nigeria and 54 other countries for their pressing health workforce challenges, especially the low density of doctors, nurses, and midwives.
A Replacement Crisis
Prof. Bassey highlights the challenge in replacing the doctors who leave. Even with approval to recruit, obtaining waivers is a complex and lengthy process. He also mentioned the difficulty in maintaining federal character in recruitment due to the urgency of the situation.
Conclusion
The departure of Nigerian doctors to other countries represents a severe crisis for Nigeria’s healthcare system. It’s a call for introspection and action. While the lure of better opportunities abroad is undeniable, the Nigerian government needs to step up its efforts in ensuring that the country’s medical professionals have a conducive environment, proper remuneration, and the necessary amenities to perform their duties. Only then can this brain drain be halted and potentially reversed.
