Medical Association Urges Nigerian Government To Provide Incentives To Retain Health Workers And Tackle Brain Drain....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has issued a call to the federal government, urging the provision of incentives to retain healthcare professionals within the country.

Muhammad Aminu Muhammed, President of MDCAN, made this appeal on Sunday following the release of a communique at the conclusion of the association’s biennial delegates meeting (DDM) in Kano.

Muhammed revealed that a survey conducted by the association two years ago, involving less than 50 percent of its chapters, found that approximately 500 patient doctors had emigrated from Nigeria. He emphasized that it would take the nation roughly a decade to fill the void left by these medical personnel.

He stated, “These were professional doctors involved in teaching and nurturing the new generation in medicine and also training specialists. This migration still continues at an alarming rate.”

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In the communique, Muhammed highlighted the numerous challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare system, including inadequate funding, brain drain, and a shortage of healthcare infrastructure.

The President of MDCAN emphasized the need for the government to convene all relevant stakeholders to rejuvenate and revitalize Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Muhammed stated, “The challenges of brain drain in the health sector have remained unabated with the migration of highly skilled healthcare professionals not only out of Africa but also to neighboring West African countries. Teaching and clinical roles as medical and dental specialists are crucial to the attainment of sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Nigeria.”

He further noted that the country has consistently produced a significant number of clinical experts in sub-Saharan Africa, with graduates at both basic and postgraduate levels achieving recognition worldwide.

However, the medical education system is under threat due to the substantial emigration of specialists and trainers to other countries. Many universities currently have fewer training opportunities than the available manpower and infrastructure can effectively support.

The government was urged to swiftly implement comprehensive solutions to address the issue of brain drain, including incentives that would encourage the retention of healthcare professionals within Nigeria.