Prof. Aminu Muhammad, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, announced Sunday that Nigeria could need up to 10 years to replace the 500 doctors who have recently migrated abroad seeking better opportunities.
This assertion comes after an association survey found that 50 of its 80 chapters reported the emigration of no less than 500 medical professionals from Nigeria.
Addressing journalists after presenting a communique at the Biennial Delegates Meeting in Kano, Muhammad expressed his deep concern over the significant exodus of medical specialists. This movement, he believes, casts a shadow over Nigeria’s health sector’s future. He reiterated that available data shows that over 500 medical consultants have left in pursuit of more favorable conditions elsewhere.
Muhammad praised Nigeria’s medical field, noting that the country consistently produces a remarkable number of top-tier clinical experts, graduates, and postgraduates in sub-Saharan Africa. Many of these professionals are making noteworthy contributions and achieving milestones internationally.
The communique underlined the threats that medical education in Nigeria faces, especially with the prevalent migration of specialists. It emphasized the ongoing “brain drain” challenge, pointing to the departure of not only those moving out of Africa but also to neighboring West African nations.
Highlighting a critical need, the communique urged for strengthened collaborations between teaching hospitals, universities, and regulatory bodies. Such partnerships, it believes, are crucial to maximize the potential to elevate the quality of medical education in the country.
Furthermore, it called on the government to rally all key stakeholders in a concerted effort to overhaul Nigeria’s healthcare system. This would mean ensuring healthcare is both affordable and easily accessible to its citizens.
Conclusively, the association pressed for immediate government action, advocating for comprehensive strategies to combat the brain drain phenomenon. This should encompass incentives that would not only retain but also potentially draw back the country’s dwindling medical professionals.
