In a heartfelt plea to tackle Nigeria’s worsening brain drain in the healthcare sector, the Chairman of the Oyo State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Happy Adedapo, has urged governments at all levels to take bold steps to incentivize health workers and stem the wave of emigration, popularly called the “japa” syndrome.
Dr. Adedapo’s comments, made during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, highlighted the exodus of Nigerian doctors and health professionals as a pressing issue that jeopardized the country’s healthcare system throughout 2024. He emphasized that improved welfare packages could reduce the problem significantly.
A Call for Action
“It’s not too much for the government to give car loans to doctors to encourage them and keep them in the system,” Dr. Adedapo stressed. He further appealed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to prioritize the payment of medical residency training funds and the implementation of the adjusted Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which the Federal Government had already rolled out.
“State workers should also enjoy the wage award,” he added, explaining that these measures could not only motivate doctors but also demonstrate the government’s commitment to sustaining healthcare services. “Soft car loans can be given to doctors to prevent them from leaving Nigeria,” he proposed as a practical solution.
The Reality of ‘Japa’ Syndrome
The term “japa,” derived from Yoruba slang for “to run quickly,” has become synonymous with the mass emigration of Nigerians, particularly skilled professionals, seeking better opportunities abroad. For the medical field, the implications are severe: a dwindling workforce, overburdened hospitals, and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse.
Reports from the NMA suggest that over 60% of Nigerian doctors have either relocated abroad or are actively seeking opportunities outside the country, citing low remuneration, poor working conditions, and lack of career progression as key reasons.
Challenges Facing Healthcare in Nigeria
Dr. Adedapo pointed to critical issues such as poor remuneration, manpower shortages, and unreliable power supply as barriers to achieving an effective healthcare delivery system in Oyo State and beyond. “For us to make more progress in 2025, these challenges must be addressed,” he said.
He also applauded health workers for their resilience, noting their dedication despite these hurdles. “In spite of all the challenges, the key players are still putting in their best to ensure the system does not collapse,” he acknowledged.
Fighting Quackery and Promoting Synergy
In addition to advocating for better welfare, the Oyo NMA boss highlighted the association’s efforts to combat medical quackery in the state. He revealed that the NMA had been actively engaging government agencies to identify and eliminate unqualified practitioners who endanger patient lives.
“We are determined, with the government, to clear out quackery activities in the state,” Dr. Adedapo asserted. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among health workers and stakeholders, calling for synergy as the cornerstone of progress in 2025.
“We should make synergy our watchword this year,” he said, urging all parties to work together to improve healthcare delivery.
A Partnership with Government
Dr. Adedapo reaffirmed the NMA’s commitment to partnering with the Oyo State government to achieve shared goals. “Oyo NMA is doing its best,” he said, highlighting the association’s whistleblowing role in alerting authorities to malpractice and systemic gaps.
The chairman also expressed optimism about the state government’s willingness to address lingering issues. However, he emphasized the need for concrete actions to boost morale and retain skilled professionals.
A Message of Hope
While addressing the challenges, Dr. Adedapo struck a hopeful tone, urging health workers to remain steadfast in their duties. “Let’s all continue to do our best to help the patients, which can be anybody, as we trust God and the government for a better working condition this year,” he encouraged.
