Nigeria is currently facing a severe shortage of medical professionals, with only approximately 30,000 practicing doctors serving a population of over 240 million people. This equates to a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:8,000, far above the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:600.
The shortage is largely driven by the increasing emigration of Nigerian doctors seeking better opportunities abroad, a trend known locally as “japa.” According to Professor Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), over 15,000 doctors have left the country in the last five years, prompted by factors such as poor remuneration, challenging working conditions, and limited career progression opportunities. This exodus has placed a tremendous strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system, already under pressure from a growing population and limited resources.
Lagos State, the country’s commercial hub, is experiencing particular difficulty. The state government has reported a deficit of 30,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other allied health workers. Despite efforts to expand medical education and improve healthcare infrastructure, the shortage persists, negatively impacting the quality of healthcare services.
The NMA has called for urgent reforms to address the issue, advocating for the universal implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across all sectors, better working conditions, and the settlement of salary arrears. The association warns that unless these issues are addressed, the ongoing emigration of healthcare workers will continue, further deteriorating the country’s healthcare delivery.
As the nation grapples with this crisis, it is clear that comprehensive healthcare reforms are necessary to retain medical professionals and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s healthcare system.