Japa: Violence against doctors fuels brain drain in Nigeria - Ogun NMA

Doctors in Nigeria's Ogun State face escalating harassment and physical assaults, a trend the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) warns is exacerbating the nation's brain drain crisis and undermining healthcare delivery.

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We chose this theme because of the continuous and sustained harassment and physical assaults directed at doctors in various centres across Ogun State and, indeed, Nigeria. These incidents have become increasingly rampant. Healthcare providers who devote their lives to caring for others urgently need greater protection. Their safety must be a priority.

The association highlighted this issue during a press conference in Abeokuta, themed "Protecting the Doctor, Caring for the Caregiver." Dr. Ogunjimi Luqman Opeoluwa, Chairman of the Ogun State NMA, stated that healthcare professionals dedicate their lives to saving others and urgently require greater protection. "Their safety must be a priority," he emphasized, noting the increasing frequency of these attacks across the state and the country.

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We have only about 1,200 doctors serving a population of nine million people. That translates to roughly one doctor for every 7,500 residents. We are not where we should be, but those who remain have chosen to stay and serve their country despite enormous challenges.

Dr. Ogunjimi revealed a critical shortage of medical personnel in Ogun State, which has a population of approximately nine million. Currently, only about 1,200 doctors serve in public health institutions, translating to roughly one doctor for every 7,500 residents. The NMA estimates the state requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to meet its healthcare needs effectively.

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If Ogun State had between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors, that would be a much better situation. Modern healthcare is multidisciplinary. A single patient may require the expertise of several specialists before recovery. That is why we need many more doctors.

Furthermore, the NMA expressed concern over security agencies' involvement in medical practice disputes. Dr. Ogunjimi stressed that allegations of medical negligence should first be investigated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the statutory body empowered to handle professional misconduct. He objected to the growing practice of security agencies arresting and prosecuting doctors without adhering to due process.

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When a doctor is accused of professional negligence, there is a legally established body responsible for investigating such matters; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. What we object to is the growing trend of security agencies arresting and prosecuting doctors without following due process.