DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

1,200 doctors serving nine million residents, Ogun NMA laments shortage

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Ogun State, Nigeria, faces a severe shortage of medical doctors, with only about 1,200 physicians serving nine million residents, translating to one doctor per 7,500 people.
  • Doctors remaining in Nigeria are subjected to harassment and attacks from the public and security agencies over clinical issues.
  • The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State calls for better welfare and support for the remaining doctors, stating the state requires 5,000 to 10,000 doctors for adequate healthcare.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State has raised alarm over a critical shortage of medical doctors, reporting that approximately 1,200 physicians are serving a population of nine million. This ratio equates to one doctor for every 7,500 residents, a figure deemed inadequate for the state's healthcare needs.

If you have an estimated population of about nine million in Ogun State and we have only 1,200 doctors working in the state, you know this is a far cry. However, the 1,200 doctors remaining have decided to stay back to give back to their country

— Dr Luqman OgunjinmiHighlighting the severe doctor shortage and the dedication of those remaining in Ogun State.

Adding to the crisis, doctors who choose to remain in Nigeria instead of seeking opportunities abroad face increasing harassment, intimidation, and attacks. These incidents come from both the public and, in some cases, security agencies, often concerning clinical matters that should be handled by professional bodies.

Dr. Luqman Ogunjinmi, Chairman of the Ogun State NMA, stated during a press conference that the continued migration of doctors has exacerbated the manpower deficit. He emphasized that the 1,200 doctors still serving have chosen to stay and contribute to their country, deserving better welfare and support. Ogun State ideally requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to provide sufficient healthcare services.

If we have between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors in Ogun State, it will not be too bad. We need nothing less than 5,000 doctors. But those 1,200 doctors who are still here are trying their best

— Dr Luqman OgunjinmiStating the ideal number of doctors needed for adequate healthcare in Ogun State.

Ogunjinmi also decried the rising violence against healthcare workers, warning that such attacks contribute to the ongoing brain drain in the health sector. He specifically mentioned doctors in border communities like Ota, Mowe, and Ogijo being frequently harassed and arrested by security agencies over clinical issues. The NMA chairman stressed that clinical matters should first be investigated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, not security agencies operating without due process.

When a doctor is delivering services, there is an organised body meant to investigate allegations of professional negligence. It is the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. We do not want security agencies prosecuting clinical matters without following due process

— Dr Luqman OgunjinmiAddressing the issue of security agencies interfering in clinical matters.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog