Nigerian Medical Association reveals that 300 doctors left the country during the course of 2016

ABOUT 300 doctors left Nigeria during the course of 2016 in search of greener pastures as the biting economic conditions continues to take its toll on the middle class according to statistics just revealed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Over the last two years, Nigeria's economy has faced a meltdown, diving into recession from an average growth rate of about 6% per annum. This has led to thousands of professionals fleeing the country in search of riches and doctors have not been immune from this migratory pattern.

NMA national president Professor Mike Ogirima, revealed the statistics at the association’s recent National Executive Council meeting in Lagos. It is believed that 500 doctors sat for qualifying foreign medical exams this year and if they pass, many of them could join the exodus.

According to some reports,  an estimated 35,000 Nigerian doctors are practising abroad, out of the 72,000 registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, with the UK and the US being the top destinations of the migrant doctors. In August, an  official of the National Association of Resident Doctors Dr. Abimbola Olajide, revealed that  no fewer than 2,500 doctors  would  leave the country this year.

Professor Ogirima said: "Nigeria is using her resources to train doctors and professionals at the advantage of foreign countries. What are those things attracting these professionals outside?  Can we duplicate those things here?”

He added that the responsibility to check the migration lies with the government and industry professionals to provide a good working environment. According to Professor Ogirima, the National Health Act of 2014 has not been  fully implemented despite warnings of legal action and its implications from the NMA.

Professor Ogirima added: “The government should provide adequate remuneration. We are not saying we should pay so much but pay them for the job they are doing as at when due.

“We, on our part as professionals should look inward to change our attitude to patients. We should make patients as the central focus of why we are called doctors. ”

He pointed out that the National Health Act holds the key to revolutionising the health industry in Nigeria. According to the NMA president, it will encourage the provision of additional funds to the system and ensure care of the vulnerable in the society.

“The present provision of only 3% to 4% of our annual budget to health sector is not helping the development of our system. Some African countries who have voted up to 15% or more to their health systems are witnessing gradual improvement in their health sector and Nigerians are now patronising health facilities in our neighbouring countries,” Professor Ogirima said.