As more doctors leave Nigeria for opportunities abroad, those still practicing in Ondo State say they are buckling under the pressure, with patient care and staff welfare now at a breaking point.
The Nigerian Medical Association, Ondo State chapter, used its 49th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Akure on Friday to sound the alarm over what it called an unsustainable strain on the state’s hospitals.
Outgoing NMA Chairman, Dr Olumuyiwa Alonge, said the “japa syndrome” has left fewer hands to do more work, even as government continues to pump money into facilities.
“It will not be honest to say it has been smooth. The japa syndrome, with its attendant workload, is a perennial problem that needs to be solved, and there is inadequate financial compensation for the selfless work being done by doctors,” Alonge told members and guests at the event themed, “Ensuring Quality Healthcare and Accessibility: Leveraging Technology, Partnership and Collaboration.”
He argued that beyond infrastructure, retention is the bigger fight. Alonge urged the state government to work more closely with doctors to create incentives that will keep them in Ondo and also improve safety for health workers.
“We are calling on the government, as a stakeholder, to look at what to do to mitigate this syndrome and also enhance the protection of doctors and other health workers in the state,” he added.
The NMA boss also flagged bureaucracy as another drag on service delivery. However, he commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for keeping communication lines open with the association, noting that the outgoing NMA executive had, in the last two years, focused on welfare and stronger leadership within the body.
The state government, in response, said it is attacking the problem from the infrastructure and recruitment side.
