The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is taking bold steps to address the mass migration of medical professionals, often referred to as the japa syndrome. During the third National Health Summit and National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, NMA President Prof. Bala Audu announced plans to establish a minimum benchmark for doctors’ salaries across all employment sectors.

Themed “Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria: Translating Policies to Impact,” the summit highlighted pressing concerns in the healthcare sector, including the disparity in remuneration among doctors employed in state governments, private institutions, and various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

Prof. Audu emphasized that a unified salary benchmark would help stabilize the healthcare workforce and reduce the allure of seeking opportunities abroad.

Addressing Salary Disparities

“What we aim to achieve,” Prof. Audu explained, “is to ensure that every registered doctor licensed by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) receives a minimum remuneration that cannot be breached. This applies across the board—whether the doctor is employed in federal, state, or local governments, private hospitals, universities, or even security agencies that require medical professionals.”

The NMA believes this move will also address internal brain drain, where doctors shift from lower-paying state hospitals to federal institutions, further exacerbating the shortage of qualified personnel at the grassroots level.

Emergency Preparedness and Skills Development

Beyond remuneration, the summit shed light on the absence of comprehensive emergency training for doctors. Prof. Audu stressed the importance of equipping healthcare workers with life-saving skills to ensure swift responses to medical emergencies.

The NMA called for a strategic partnership with initiatives like the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) to bolster the country’s healthcare framework.

Collaboration with Diaspora Doctors

In an effort to reverse the japa trend, the NMA is also exploring collaborations with Nigerian doctors in the diaspora. The association aims to sign Memoranda of Understanding with diaspora doctors to foster knowledge exchange and partnerships. This initiative would be facilitated through cooperation with the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) and other relevant organizations.

Strengthening Clinical Governance

Recognizing the need for institutional reform, the summit emphasized the importance of improving clinical governance across hospitals. The NMA resolved to strengthen partnerships with hospital leadership nationwide to enact robust institutional mechanisms that would enhance service delivery.

Five-Year Strategic Plan

Looking to the future, the NMA has resolved to develop a comprehensive five-year strategic plan. This blueprint will serve as a roadmap for addressing key challenges in the healthcare sector. Members of the association are encouraged to lend their expertise to ensure the plan’s success.

Promoting Pharmacovigilance

The NEC also suggested training healthcare workers on the importance of pharmacovigilance and the use of digital tools such as the Med Safety App to enhance drug safety monitoring.

A Unified Effort

As the NMA works to establish minimum salary benchmarks, improve emergency training, and engage diaspora professionals, it is clear that addressing the japa phenomenon requires a multi-faceted approach. The association’s initiatives signal a commitment to creating a more attractive and stable environment for medical professionals in Nigeria.

(Inspired by Ojoma Akor’s report for Daily Trust, reimagined for ijapa.ng.)

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