Doctors urge the Federal Government to address the brain drain and enhance healthcare worker welfare. The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) called for critical improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system. In separate interviews with a correspondent, both organizations highlighted key areas requiring attention.
Professor Bala Audu, President of the NMA, emphasized the need for broader access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians. He advocated for increased utilization of health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses, fostering a move towards universal health coverage. He stressed the importance of reducing financial burdens on patients to improve health outcomes. A critical aspect of this, he underscored, was the standardization of healthcare facilities across the country. He stressed, “We want to see more Nigerians benefit from universal health coverage through various health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.” According to the National Health Act, all healthcare facilities are mandated to be certified, and the NMA firmly advocates for the strict implementation of this mandate in all facilities. Prof. Audu further explained that certified facilities adhering to the appropriate level of care (primary, secondary, or tertiary) would ensure quality healthcare for all Nigerians upon visiting such facilities.
Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, echoed the need for improved staff welfare, manpower, and advanced medical technologies. He highlighted the disparity between healthcare worker salaries in Nigeria and those in other countries. Addressing this crucial income imbalance is vital for retaining and attracting qualified personnel, ultimately improving healthcare delivery, and potentially mitigating ongoing potential issues. Osundara stated, “When you compare the salaries of healthcare workers in Nigeria with those in other countries, the disparity is glaring. What we pay healthcare workers here is a far cry from what is obtainable elsewhere.” He stressed the importance of providing healthcare workers with the necessary resources and compensation to effectively serve the population. He underscored the crucial role of sufficient qualified manpower and advanced medical technologies in establishing state-of-the-art healthcare facilities throughout the country.
The NMA and NARD’s collective recommendations address critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare framework. Improved healthcare worker welfare, along with investments in advanced medical technologies, are crucial components for ensuring a resilient and effective healthcare system. These are crucial steps to effectively combat systemic challenges, such as high-cost care, and inadequate resources. These issues and proposed solutions necessitate a collaborative and multifaceted approach to build a more resilient and equitable healthcare system for Nigeria’s citizens.