Nigeria may need to import medical doctors in the future — NMA

Adeleye Kunle Reports

According to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), with the trend of medical doctors leaving the country for greener pastures abroad, there may be a need in the future to hire doctors from other countries, TrackNews reports.

The NMA also stated that if immediate steps are not taken to address the deteriorating situation, the country’s health system will collapse.

Dr. Ayotunde Fasunla, Chairman of the Oyo State NMA, issued the warning in Ibadan on Tuesday, August 16, at the official start of the 2022 scientific conference, titled ‘National Health Authority Act – The Sound Bites.’

The body also declared a state of emergency in the health sector, citing the massive migration of Nigerian doctors to Europe, America, the Middle East, and other African countries.

He noted that the health sector’s budgetary allocation in 2022 is approximately 4.2 percent of the national budget, which is significantly less than the minimum of 15% recommended by the African Union (AU) at the Abuja Declaration.

“The infrastructure deficit is such that some of our hospitals spend a significant portion of their internal revenues on diesel to ensure power supply,” he said.

“There is a lack of funds to apply for equipment upgrades, manpower development, or even new staff recruitment.”