The Nigerian Medical Association of Nigeria (NMA) has called for government-backed incentives, including soft car loans, to retain doctors in Nigeria and curb the growing trend of medical professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad.
Chairman of the Oyo State NMA chapter,
Dr. Happy Adedapo, made the remarks during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday.
He stressed that such incentives would encourage doctors to remain in the country despite challenging working conditions.
“It’s not too much for the government to give car loans to doctors to encourage them and keep them in the system,” Dr. Adedapo said.
He also urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to pay medical residency training funds and implement the adjusted consolidated medical salary scales (CONMESS) introduced by the federal government.
In addition, he noted the importance of extending wage awards to state workers to further boost morale. “The japa syndrome should be reduced to the barest minimum,” he added, referring to the exodus of Nigerian professionals seeking better living and working conditions abroad.
The NMA leader called for a collaborative effort to address critical issues such as poor remuneration, manpower shortages, and inadequate power supply. “We should make synergy our watchword this year. For us to make more progress in 2025, challenges like these should be addressed,” he noted.
Dr. Adedapo also highlighted the Oyo NMA’s commitment to combating quackery, stating, “We are determined, with the government, to clear out quackery activities in the state.”
He praised the efforts of healthcare workers, despite ongoing challenges, and called for continued collaboration in sustaining the healthcare system.
“Let’s all continue to do our best to help the patients,” Dr. Adedapo added, expressing hope for improved working conditions in the year ahead.
