….Calls for Overhaul of Nigeria’s Healthcare System
Gom Mirian, Jumoke Olasunkanmi
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration, Dr Rahaman Olayinka, has decried the alarming number of doctors leaving Nigeria each week in search of better opportunities and working conditions abroad.
Olayinka made this announcement on Monday during a conference held in Abuja as part of the 2023 ARD Health Week.
According to him, approximately five to 10 members of the association are relocating to other countries weekly, citing the lack of adequate welfare packages and conducive working environments in Nigeria as the main reasons for their decision.
This brain drain of skilled medical professionals not only highlights the challenges faced by healthcare workers in Nigeria but also raises concerns about the impact on the country’s healthcare system. With a shortage of doctors already being a major issue in many areas, the loss of even more physicians could exacerbate existing healthcare challenges.
He said: “The advocacy is for improved welfare packages, Workers are leaving because they get better welfare packages, good working environment, and a proper health insurance cover for their families.
“We are, therefore, calling for a total overhaul of the healthcare system in the country to reverse the trend.”
He noted that despite having an upward review in salaries, and wages in the FCTA, the new salary scale was yet to be implemented.
According to him, the theme of the weeklong event: ” The State of Nigeria’s Healthcare System: An update”, provided the opportunity to discuss topical issues that would improve the healthcare system in the country.
He further stressed the need to review the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system to an appreciable standard in line with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.
