NMA laments mass exodus of healthcare professionals

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State chapter, has stated that one of the ways to curb the brain drain plaguing the health sector in the country is through the implementation of a salary structure and the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across all healthcare levels.

While expressing concern about the mass exodus of health workers from the country, the Chairman of NMA in the state, Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, described the syndrome as a consequence of a system that has failed to offer fair compensation and career fulfillment.

According to Alonge, while speaking with journalists on Monday during a press conference to herald the annual Physicians’ Week in the state, when healthcare professionals are remunerated fairly and equitably, they feel valued and respected, thus strengthening their commitment and dedication to patient care.

The theme of the week was tagged “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” and sub-themes included “Mitigating the Impact of Infectious Diseases: Addressing the Monkeypox Outbreak and Beyond,” as well as “Early Detection of Breast Cancer and Current Trends in the Management of Breast Cancer.”

“We urge all levels of government to ensure the uniform implementation of our salary structure, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), across all healthcare levels.

“We also call for the prompt payment of all outstanding arrears related to salary upgrades, including the new minimum wage.

“In recent years, we have observed an alarming trend: our most experienced and skilled healthcare professionals, the lifeblood of our healthcare system, are leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad, and our dear state is not spared.

“This mass exodus, known as brain drain, is not merely a symptom of individual decisions; it is a consequence of a system that has failed to offer compensation and career fulfillment.”