The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has urged the federal and state governments to develop inclusive and effective health sector policies that prioritise the welfare and dignity of healthcare workers, while also addressing the growing brain drain plaguing the profession.
In a statement delivered on May Day, Dr Babajide Saheed, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the NMA, stressed the need for government policies that reflect productivity, empathy, respect, and meaningful support for medical professionals across Nigeria. He warned that any policy that overlooks the issue of mass emigration of health workers — commonly known as the Japa Syndrome — would be destined to fail.
“Policies without the vital support of human resources are bound to fail,” he said.
Dr Saheed called on all levels of government to adopt measures aimed at retaining skilled professionals, including better pay packages, tax-free call duty allowances, and adjustments to professional allowances in line with current inflation rates. He also advocated for sustainable welfare incentives such as accessible housing and car loan schemes to help improve retention rates.
Highlighting the importance of a well-equipped and supportive health sector, the NMA chairman called for regular training and retraining opportunities, the provision of research grants, access to modern medical equipment, and the improvement of healthcare infrastructure.
He also urged the government to fulfil its 2024 pledge to settle skipping arrears and to transition all medical lecturers and doctors in academic and clinical settings to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Furthermore, he demanded an immediate halt to the locum appointment system in public hospitals.
Dr Saheed criticised the continued implementation of the consultant pharmacy cadre in clinical settings, arguing that it offers no real contribution to patient care and risks causing disruption within hospitals. He emphasised the need to uphold the rights and dignity of healthcare professionals, urging the government to create an environment where both public and private sector healthcare systems can thrive.
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, is observed each year on 1 May to celebrate the efforts of workers and advocate for improved working conditions and fair treatment. This year’s celebration carried the theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”