The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Kwara State chapter, has called on the state government to roll out urgent measures to curb the growing “Japa” trend among medical doctors.
Speaking in Ilorin on Thursday, the Acting Vice Chairman of NMA, Dr. Ayinde Musa, advised the state to introduce scholarships, low-interest loans, and attractive welfare packages to retain medical professionals and lure more into public service.
Dr. Musa made the remarks while reacting to the state government’s concerns over the dwindling number of doctors in its hospitals. He noted that the exodus of medical practitioners to foreign countries has left many health facilities understaffed, putting pressure on the healthcare system.
“The government must take deliberate steps to make the state’s health sector competitive. This includes improving remuneration, modernising infrastructure, and creating incentives that can rival what doctors enjoy abroad,” he said.
According to him, many doctors currently working with private hospitals in Kwara could be encouraged to join the public sector if offered better conditions of service.
He also urged the government to collaborate with key stakeholders and professional bodies in the health sector to develop sustainable solutions to the problem.
“Providing scholarships, low-interest loans, and welfare packages will go a long way in discouraging doctors from seeking greener pastures overseas. If the right incentives are in place, more medical professionals will stay and contribute to improving healthcare delivery in Kwara State,” Dr. Musa added.
The NMA’s advice comes amid rising concerns over Nigeria’s brain drain in the health sector, as thousands of doctors continue to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities.
