Doctors in Ogun State have tied the survival of public hospitals to improved welfare and better pay, warning that the state will continue to lose medical personnel if working conditions remain poor.
The Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun branch, said the exodus of doctors, especially from rural hospitals, is directly linked to poor remuneration, stalled career progression and harsh workplace conditions.
Speaking in Abeokuta on Monday during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, the state chairman, Dr Sunday Enimola, said the next administration must treat doctors’ welfare as central to any health reform.
He called for a deliberate workforce policy that fixes the gaps in the system.
“The incoming government should develop and implement a comprehensive healthcare workforce policy that addresses staffing shortages, remuneration, career progression, professional development, workplace conditions, and staff motivation.
“There should be deliberate efforts to attract and retain doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state, including those serving in rural and underserved communities,” Enimola said.
The association also asked the government to raise health allocation to meet the Abuja Declaration benchmark.
“The 13 per cent from 2025 to 2026 can be improved upon. Abuja’s minimum benchmark declaration is 15 per cent. This percentage should be met or surpassed,” he said.
Enimola added that healthcare funding should focus on primary healthcare, drugs, equipment and recruitment, stressing that quality care cannot be achieved without motivated health workers.
