The Nigerian Medical Association, Kwara branch, has advised the state government to provide scholarships, low-interest loans, and other incentives to engage and entice doctors to work in the state.
The Acting Vice Chairman of the NMA, Dr Ayinde Musa, gave the advice on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria.
Musa also reacted to the state government’s lament about the dearth of medical doctors in the state’s health facilities.
He observed that to address the shortage of doctors and ‘japa’ syndrome, the state government must improve healthcare infrastructure.
The chairman called for improved remuneration and incentives for doctors to match conditions in Western countries.
Musa urged the government to build and remodel medical facilities to enhance quality healthcare services.
He also urged the government to engage stakeholders in the health sector to find sustainable solutions to the challenge.
According to him, the government should consult with relevant professionals to attract doctors to work in state hospitals.
“Many doctors currently work with private organisations within the state and can be persuaded to join the public sector if offered attractive incentives and welfare packages.
“The state government provide benefits such as scholarships, low-interest loans, and other incentives to make public service more appealing to medical professionals.
“These efforts will discourage medical practitioners from seeking greener pastures abroad and encourage them to contribute to Kwara’s healthcare sector,” he said.
A 2024 report notes that the mass emigration of Nigerian doctors—popularly referred to as the ‘Japa syndrome’—has continued to pose a significant threat to the country’s healthcare system, with public hospitals across several states struggling with acute staff shortages.
A report published in August 2024 also noted that the doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria had worsened to 1:10,000, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended standard of 1:600, with the situation particularly dire in states such as Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Ekiti.
