Some doctors have raised the alarm over the number of doctors available in Nigeria saying the ratio is now one doctor to 6,400 patients, as a result of brain drain.
The Chief Medical Director, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo State, Dr Oluwole Ige and an Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Rehabilitation, Obafemi Awolowo University, ile- lfe, Osun state, Dr. Teslim Onigbinde made the revelation.
Speaking at the 2nd induction of physiotherapists who recently graduated from the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) in Ondo state both men expressed worries over the rate at which medical professionals are departing Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad.
Dr Ige represented by the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr Michael Gbala said; “the country is in a dire emergency situation within the medical sector, called for urgent measure to savage the trend.
Ige said that half of the 34 inductees were already nursing the ambition to board the next flights to developed countries saying they should think twice before leaving Nigeria.
“You (inductees) are coming at a time that there is mass exodus of medical personnel. The university has taken about five years to train you, so Nigerians will be happy to have you around.
“If your lecturers had left, they will not be around to train you. We are in a very serious situation. Except something is done, we might be heading towards major crisis.
I salute those who are still around despite the challenging situation. “Wherever you may be, ensure to continue to retrain yourselves and be good ambassador of the institution.”