18,949 Doctors Left Nigeria for Greener Pastures Between 2024-2025
A staggering number of medical practitioners have abandoned Nigeria in search of better opportunities, with a whopping 18,949 doctors emigrating from the country between 2005 and 2024.
This alarming trend has been attributed to the deplorable working conditions and welfare packages offered to medical professionals in the country.
According to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), the year 2024 has witnessed the highest number of doctor exits, with a staggering 3,974 medical practitioners leaving the country in pursuit of greener pastures.
This mass exodus has raised concerns about the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, which is already grappling with a severe shortage of skilled medical professionals.
The NARD’s revelation comes on the heels of a social media post that highlighted the plight of house officers, who have been denied their salaries for several months.
These young doctors, who are the backbone of the healthcare system, are often forced to work long hours without adequate compensation or recognition.
The association has condemned this unfair treatment, describing it as unacceptable and inhumane.
A closer examination of the data reveals that the number of doctor emigrations has surged significantly since 2015, with a total of 5,320 doctors leaving the country between 2015 and 2024.
This can be attributed to the deteriorating economic climate, which has led to a decline in the standard of living and working conditions for medical professionals.
Many of these doctors have sought refuge in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Gulf nations, where they are offered better remuneration and working conditions.
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service, in particular, has become a magnet for Nigerian doctors, who are drawn to its competitive salaries and world-class facilities.
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s data, as of 2022, paints a grim picture of doctor distribution across the country. While Nigeria boasts approximately 55,000 licensed doctors, the majority are concentrated in a handful of states, leaving many rural areas without adequate medical care.
Lagos State, for instance, has a whopping 7,385 doctors, while states such as Taraba, Jigawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Yobe have a paltry 201, 255, 267, 273, and 275 doctors, respectively.
The NARD has called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address the outstanding salary issues affecting house officers and implement policies to improve working conditions.
The association has urged the government to take immediate action to stem the tide of doctor emigrations, which threatens to cripple the country’s healthcare system.
As Nigeria struggles to retain its medical professionals, the government must take a hard look at its policies and prioritize the welfare of its doctors.
By offering competitive salaries, improving working conditions, and providing opportunities for professional growth, the government can stem the brain drain and ensure that Nigeria’s healthcare system is equipped to meet the needs of its citizens.
The clock is ticking, and the government must act swiftly to prevent a complete collapse of the country’s healthcare system.
