Doctors demand security, better pay to curb brain drain

The National President of National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Dr Idris Anas and other executives of the association... Credit: Taiwo Bankole

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The National Executive Council of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners has called for urgent reforms to salvage Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system, emphasising that a motivated medical workforce is vital to national progress.

Beyond the pressing issue of brain drain, the NAGGMDP also highlighted broader challenges threatening industrial harmony in the health sector, including insecurity, unsustainable workloads, and burnout.

The National President of the association, Dr Anas Idris, stated this on Sunday in Abeokuta as part of a communique issued by the NEC following the one-week Medical Year celebration of the Nigerian Medical Association held in Abeokuta.

Idris acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in tackling insecurity, stressing that peace is foundational to a thriving healthcare environment.

The association, however, called on the president to intensify efforts to ensure that every part of the nation is secured against all forms of attack and insecurity.

It also demanded the immediate implementation of a revised salary scale and retention allowances for doctors to boost morale and curb migration.

Government medical doctors further called for the swift resolution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), describing it as critical to restoring trust and stability in the sector.

Idris also listed other demands, including comprehensive insurance coverage for doctors, describing it as a necessary shield against rising occupational hazards like insecurity and workplace violence, ensuring no family is left vulnerable.

He explained, “Having carefully reviewed the prevailing conditions and challenges, the National Executive Council of NAGGMDP resolved that the government should intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

“The restoration of security remains central to reversing the medical brain drain, stabilising healthcare delivery, and enabling doctors to work in a secure nation. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

“We call on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the Federal Ministry of Labour to urgently reconvene and resolve the Collective Bargaining Agreement without further delay.

“A functional and motivated medical workforce is indispensable to national development, and resolving the CBA is a critical step in restoring trust and stability in the health sector.”

Therefore, the association “calls on both federal and state governments to immediately enrol all doctors in a comprehensive insurance scheme as part of a broader welfare and retention policy.

“This is particularly necessary given the increasing occupational hazards, including insecurity, workplace violence, and exposure to infectious diseases.

“We insist that no doctor should work under conditions that leave their families vulnerable in the event of untimely deaths.”

The association said it remains open to partnership, dialogue, and collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to achieve a sustainable, equitable, and resilient health system for all Nigerians.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare and professional growth of government-employed doctors, seeking collaboration with stakeholders to build a resilient health system.

Nigeria’s health sector is characterised by a mix of persistent challenges, including an acute shortage of health workers primarily due to poor remuneration, which has led many medical personnel to migrate to the US and other European countries in search of greener pastures.

Despite ongoing government reform efforts, the sector continues to grapple with underfunding, a severe brain drain of medical professionals, and inadequate infrastructure, all of which impact health outcomes.

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