The Enugu State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to Governor Peter Mbah to reassess the retirement policy for healthcare professionals and medical consultants. This move aims to mitigate the burgeoning brain drain and “Japa” syndrome (a colloquial term for the mass exodus of Nigerian professionals to other countries) plaguing the state’s health sector.
According to Dr. Sunday Okafor, State Chairman of the NMA, and Dr. Chima Edoga, General Secretary, in a letter to the governor, reviewing the retirement policy would be a strategic and cost-effective approach to retaining skilled healthcare workers.
The NMA leaders commended Governor Mbah for his impactful initiatives in the health sector, including the ongoing development of A Type 2 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in all 260 wards, the Specialist hospital at Ranger’s Avenue, and the infrastructural upgrade at the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital Parklane. However, they expressed deep concern over the severe shortage of healthcare workforce in the state, exacerbated by the alarming rate of brain drain.
Data reveals a staggering doctor-patient ratio of 1:9083 in Nigeria, far from the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended 1:600. This trend is worsened by the emigration of skilled healthcare workers, leaving behind a handful of dedicated professionals who are often overwhelmed, leading to burnout syndrome, heightened risk of medical errors, and increased patient fatalities.
The Enugu NMA emphasized that older, skilled healthcare workers are more valuable to the system yet are more likely to be affected by the general retirement age, precisely when their services are most needed. The Association questioned how the state’s numerous, newly erected health facilities would be effectively manned in the face of this severe shortage.
In light of these challenges, the NMA urged Governor Mbah to implement reforms that would strategically address the brain drain in Enugu’s health sector. By doing so, the state can hope to retain its skilled healthcare professionals and provide better healthcare services to its populace.