The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Kwara Branch, has raised an alarm over the critical shortage of medical doctors in the state, revealing that only 650 doctors are available to attend to over 3.6 million residents.
Dr. Ola Ahmed, the NMA Chairman, disclosed this during a news conference in Ilorin on Tuesday, held in anticipation of the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association.
Dr. Ahmed, who is concluding his two-year tenure as chairman, expressed concern over the persistent shortage of healthcare workers despite numerous achievements in the sector. He noted that many healthcare professionals are leaving the state and the country for better opportunities abroad, a phenomenon locally referred to as “Japa.”
“A lot of our colleagues have been lost to brain drain in the name of Japa. This has really affected the delivery of services to the populace. Apart from economic hardship, insecurity and poor medical infrastructure are some of the other reasons for the migration of doctors and other health workers from the state and the country at large,” Ahmed said.
He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his significant investments in healthcare delivery in Kwara State, highlighting the governor’s approval of salary adjustments for medical professionals as a motivating factor to retain healthcare workers and curb the exodus.
The NMA chairman detailed various achievements of the association under his leadership, including contributions towards the establishment of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH). He also mentioned the approval and payment of the adjusted 2019 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), Skipping, and the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Ahmed emphasized the association’s commitment to the welfare of its members, noting upgrades to the Secretariat’s solar power system, the provision of dedicated internet service, and the furnishing of a library, among other improvements.
The 2024 Annual General Meeting activities will include a medical outreach to the state secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), scientific conferences, sports events, and elections. The theme of this year’s conference is “Relationship of Doctors with the Community: Improving the Community Perception of Doctors.”