Is Nigeria addressing shortage of specialised doctors?

Nigeria is grappling with a critical shortage of doctors, with over 16,000 medical professionals leaving the country in the last five to seven years. This alarming exodus has significantly depleted the doctor-to-population ratio, which currently stands at a mere 3.9 doctors per 10,000 individuals in the country. The implications of this healthcare crisis are profound, raising concerns about the quality and accessibility of medical services for Nigerians. In an effort to stem the tide of this brain drain, the Nigerian government has introduced the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, aimed at curtailing the outflow of doctors and bolstering the local healthcare system. Dr. Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, delved into the intricacies of this pressing issue in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. He shed light on the underlying causes of doctor migration and the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this multifaceted challenge. Despite the commonly cited factor of inadequate salaries, Dr. Osundara underscored that the crisis runs deeper, reflecting a systemic lack of trust in the healthcare system. He raised concerns about the entrenched 'Jamba Syndrome,' a term coined to describe the phenomenon of health workers seeking opportunities abroad due to Nigeria's fragile healthcare infrastructure. The conversation veered towards the efficacy of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, with Dr. Osundara echoing criticisms of its reactive nature. While acknowledging the policy's relevance, he emphasized the imperative of translating it into tangible action plans to effect real change. The absence of concrete steps following the policy's unveiling last year has cast doubts on the government's commitment to rejuvenating the healthcare sector. Furthermore, Dr. Osundara highlighted the dearth of incentives for doctors to specialize in critical medical fields such as oncology and neurology, particularly in underserved regions. The existing system fails to entice healthcare professionals to venture into rural areas, exacerbating the healthcare disparities between urban and remote settings. Inadequate remuneration and substandard infrastructure further disincentivize doctors from embracing specialization in critical disciplines, hampering efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality. Beyond monetary concerns, Dr. Osundara drew attention to the non-monetary factors fueling doctor migration, including professional burnout, excessive caseloads, and stagnant career progression. These intangible stressors erode the morale and efficiency of healthcare workers, compromising the standard of care delivered to patients. He emphasized the pivotal role of non-monetary incentives, such as quality working conditions and reasonable working hours, in motivating doctors to provide optimal healthcare services. In conclusion, the exodus of doctors from Nigeria poses a grave threat to the nation's healthcare landscape, necessitating immediate and concerted action to reverse the trend. Addressing the root causes of doctor migration, enhancing incentives for specialization, and prioritizing the well-being of healthcare professionals are crucial steps towards revitalizing the healthcare system. As Nigerian authorities grapple with this pressing issue, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be paramount in safeguarding the health and well-being of the nation's populace.