The Federal Government of Nigeria has disclosed that the country is currently operating with 55,000 licensed doctors to cater to the growing population. This revelation comes amidst the exodus of health professionals to hospitals and health facilities abroad, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”
According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, Nigeria has lost about 15,000 to 16,000 doctors over the last five years due to this trend. He made these statements during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Prof. Pate highlighted the severe impact of brain drain on the Nigerian health sector, stating that it has deprived the country of some of its best medical talents. Despite the challenges, he affirmed that the government is making efforts to expand training schemes and motivate those who choose to stay and serve in Nigeria.
“There are about 300,000 health professionals working in Nigeria today in all cadres, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists,” Pate said. “We have 85,000 to 90,000 registered Nigerian doctors, but not all of them are in the country. Some are in the Diaspora, especially in the US and UK. Currently, there are 55,000 licensed doctors in Nigeria.”
He further explained the distribution issues among health professionals, noting that most highly skilled doctors are concentrated in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja. “The doctor-to-population ratio in Abuja is 14.7 per 10,000 population, and in Lagos, it is about 4.6 per 10,000. The average ratio across the country is 2.2 per 10,000,” he stated.
Prof. Pate emphasized that the loss of medical professionals is a global phenomenon, not limited to Nigeria. Countries like India and Pakistan are also affected. “In the last five years, we have lost about 15,000 to 16,000 doctors, and about 17,000 have been transferred,” he said. “We are barely managing, which is why expanding training is crucial.”
He acknowledged the dedication of those who have chosen to remain in Nigeria despite opportunities to migrate. He shared the example of the head of the ICU at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, who stayed out of a sense of duty to his country.
The Minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to improve working conditions and salaries for health professionals, addressing issues such as working hours, particularly for junior doctors. “We are taking steps to expand the training and work environment and encourage the Salaries and Wages Commission to implement measures that will make health professionals feel valued,” Pate said.
For more details, read the full article by Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis on The PUNCH.
Source: Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis, The PUNCH.
