Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State Chapter, Dr. Babajide Saheed, has called on the government to address the growing shortage of medical professionals by increasing the remuneration and benefits of healthcare workers.
Speaking at the Nigerian Association of Dermatologists (NAD) 19th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Lagos on Friday, Dr. Saheed highlighted that better pay would deter the migration of Nigerian medical doctors and nurses seeking improved opportunities abroad.
He emphasized that salary adjustments should align with current inflation rates and reduce the significant tax burden on health workers.
In addition to financial compensation, Dr. Saheed advocated for the introduction of housing and car loans for health workers, suggesting that providing these essential services could alleviate up to 50% of their challenges.
“If housing and cars could be provided to health workers, 50 per cent of their problems would be alleviated. If the government could replace health workers’ cars every five or six years, it would go a long way in solving their issues”, he said.
The NMA Chairman also underscored the importance of training and retraining healthcare workers, as well as improving infrastructure and policies in the health sector.
He stressed that addressing these issues could significantly reduce medical tourism, which he described as a “shame to the nation.”
The event, which also marked World Skin Health Day, featured sessions aimed at improving dermatological care by training a wide range of healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, and pharmacists.
A dermatologist and event organizer, Dr. Ayesha Akinkugbe, highlighted the importance of skin health, noting that the skin is the body’s largest organ and crucial to overall health.
The conference also addressed common skin issues in children, with a Registered Nurse, Seyi Badmus, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of childhood skin conditions.
