Nigerian Academy of Medicine Raises the Alarm Over Imminent Collapse of Health Sector

The Nigerian Academy of Medicine (NAMed) has expressed grave concern over the worsening state of the country’s health sector, warning that underfunding, decaying infrastructure, and mass migration of health professionals are pushing the system to the brink of collapse.

The alarm was raised on Tuesday during the Academy’s 2025 Annual Lecture, Induction Ceremony, and Scientific Conference in Abuja, themed “Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases.”

In his opening address, NAMed President, Emeritus Professor Samuel Ohaegbulam, said most Nigerian hospitals, including tertiary institutions, lack essential diagnostic equipment such as CT scans and MRI machines, forcing citizens to rely heavily on medical tourism.

He disclosed that Nigerians spend over $1 billion annually on treatment abroad.

“As an academy, we are deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of our health sector. The budgetary allocations are grossly inadequate. Our trainers are demoralised – not just by poor facilities, but by poor remuneration, worsened by the devaluation of the naira,” Ohaegbulam said.

He lamented the rising trend of medical brain drain, noting that doctors and other health professionals continue to leave Nigeria for better-paying jobs abroad.

“Our health workers trained with care and commitment are leaving in droves for greener pastures. Can we blame them when they are offered $15,000 a month abroad while struggling to survive at home?” he asked.

On health financing, the NAMed President said universal health insurance has the potential to transform healthcare access, but weak enforcement has hindered progress.

“The law has been passed, but enforcement remains weak. Politicians promise reform during campaigns, only to forget once elected. As a result, just 11 million Nigerians are covered by health insurance, barely 2.2 per cent of our population,” he explained.

Ohaegbulam further listed multiple challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare system, including poor medical education, shortage of skilled personnel, corruption, patient safety concerns, and the proliferation of unregulated universities and medical colleges.

He also raised concerns about overcrowded medical schools and overstretched lecturers, warning that postgraduate training is deteriorating as many graduates prefer to relocate abroad rather than continue training locally.

While acknowledging government efforts to expand health insurance and prioritise vulnerable populations, NAMed stressed that sustained reforms, stronger investment, and political will are urgently needed to avert systemic collapse.