NMA Chairman Calls For Urgent Pay Rise To Retain Nigeria’s Healthcare Talent.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos State Branch, Dr Babajide Saheed, has issued a passionate plea to the government to bolster the remuneration and benefits of healthcare workers to tackle the critical shortage of doctors and curb the growing exodus of medical professionals from Nigeria. The call comes as the nation grapples with a significant brain drain in its healthcare sector, with many skilled professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
Speaking at a recent press conference, Dr Saheed highlighted the dire consequences of inadequate pay and poor working conditions, which he described as key drivers of the migration of healthcare workers. “The shortage of doctors in Nigeria is a crisis that demands immediate action,” he stated. “Fair and competitive remuneration is essential to retain our talented professionals and ensure the continuity of quality healthcare services.” He urged both federal and state governments to prioritise investment in the health sector, aligning with national healthcare reform efforts.
The NMA’s appeal follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of an increase in the retirement age for healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years, a move aimed at retaining experienced professionals. Dr Saheed commended this step but stressed that it must be accompanied by improved salaries and benefits to be truly effective. “Raising the retirement age is a positive move, but without addressing remuneration, we risk losing our doctors to countries offering better prospects,” he warned.
The chairman also pointed to the lack of structured internship pipelines as a significant issue, noting that many newly trained doctors struggle to secure placements. “It’s disheartening to train doctors for six years only to leave them scrambling for internship slots,” Dr Saheed remarked. He called for the accreditation of more hospitals and the establishment of a robust system to absorb young professionals, warning that failure to act could exacerbate the brain drain and further strain Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The NMA’s Lagos branch has been vocal about the need for systemic reforms, including the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across all healthcare levels. Dr Saheed emphasised that uniform and equitable salary structures would foster a sense of value among healthcare workers, boosting their commitment to patient care. “When professionals are fairly compensated, they feel respected and motivated to serve,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to face challenges in its healthcare delivery, the NMA’s call for action underscores the urgency of addressing the welfare of health workers. With the nation’s health indices under scrutiny, stakeholders are hopeful that the government will heed these recommendations to strengthen the sector and ensure quality care for all Nigerians.
