Nigerian Medics Sound the Alarm on Healthcare Crisis as Brain Drain Worsens

The Nigerian medical community in Lagos has issued a stark warning about the deepening crisis in the nation’s healthcare system.

The doctors’ union is demanding sweeping reforms to stem the tide of talented professionals fleeing the country in search of better opportunities.

According to the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, the healthcare system is on the brink of collapse, with the best and brightest minds leaving in droves.

The exodus, dubbed the “Japa syndrome,” has been exacerbated by poor working conditions, meager pay, and a lack of investment in medical infrastructure.

The medical professionals are seeking immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears, dating back to 2024, as well as a review of their compensation packages to reflect the country’s rising cost of living.

They argue that the current remuneration is no longer sufficient to support their basic needs, forcing many to seek greener pastures abroad.

To stem the brain drain, the doctors are calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare system, including the provision of affordable housing and car loans, as well as access to research grants and modern medical equipment.

They also want the government to implement policies that prioritize the welfare and well-being of healthcare workers, including a increase in the retirement age and the harmonization of salary structures.

Furthermore, the medics are urging the government to address the issue of casualization and locum appointments, which they claim is creating uncertainty and undermining the morale of healthcare workers. They are also seeking the abolition of the consultant pharmacy cadre in clinical settings, which they argue is causing unnecessary tension and complicating patient care.

The doctors’ union is warning that unless the government takes drastic action to address the root causes of the crisis, the healthcare system will continue to hemorrhage talent, with devastating consequences for the nation’s health and wellbeing.

As one medic noted, “A healthcare system without its best minds is like a body without a brain it cannot function effectively.”