Japa: 15,000 Doctors Leave Nigeria Due To Insufficient Pay – Medical Association

Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association’s Kano State chapter, Abdurrahman Ali, has expressed concern over the emigration of 15,000 medical doctors from Nigeria in 2024, attributing this trend to inadequate remuneration.

Ali made these remarks during a press conference addressing the challenges and advancements faced by doctors in the state.

As part of this year’s Physician Week, themed “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” he emphasized the importance of fair compensation and recognition for doctors’ contributions.”

“Fair remuneration is more than just a salary figure, it is a recognition of our value. A motivator for excellence and a safeguard against burnout in any industry, particularly in health care.

“Adequate compensation reflects the time, emotional energy and personal commitment healthcare professionals invest. When a healthcare worker is fairly and equitably respected, it, in turn, fuels their dedication, strengthens their commitment to patient care, and fortifies the larger health ecosystem,” Ali stated.

He further urged the Kano state government to honor its agreement with the Nigeria Medical Association regarding the implementation of a revised hazard allowance for health workers.

“I call on the Kano State government to try to try and fulfil their agreement signed with the NMA for the implementation of the revised commas and revised hazard allowance, this we believe will bridge the gap between doctors working with the state government and their counterparts at the federal level and help reduce the ugly trend of brain drain,” he added.