Over 16,000 Nigerian doctors emigrated in six years, NMA demands healthcare reforms

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has voiced grave concerns over the deteriorating state of Nigeria's healthcare system, emphasizing the critical need for immediate reforms in leadership, funding, and workforce retention. These warnings were issued during the NMA's 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Ibadan, themed “Redefining Healthcare Leadership in Nigeria: Innovation, Accountability and Sustainable Development.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Titilola Ibiyemi highlighted that Nigeria can no longer sustain a "business-as-usual" approach to healthcare management. She stressed the necessity of transformational leadership, innovation, accountability, and strategic planning to rebuild public confidence and enhance service delivery. Ibiyemi identified "brain drain," inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, weak accountability, and overreliance on donor support as major obstacles to providing quality healthcare.

More than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country between 2017 and 2023, a phenomenon described as a significant threat to the nation's healthcare workforce. Compounding this crisis, only about 20% of Nigeria's nearly 30,000 primary healthcare centers are fully functional, despite accounting for approximately 75% of the country's health facilities. Furthermore, Nigeria's healthcare spending stands at about 3.86% of its GDP, falling drastically short of the 15% benchmark set by the Abuja Declaration. Citizens shoulder a substantial burden, with out-of-pocket payments funding about 76% of healthcare expenditures.

NMA Oyo State Chairman, Dr. Happy Adedapo, stated that the conference aimed to tackle these critical challenges. The association plans to submit a communiqué with recommendations to government authorities, advocating for stronger collaboration and immediate action to revitalize the healthcare sector.

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Leadership in healthcare must be intentional, innovative and accountable. Leaders must inspire change, strengthen institutions, embrace technology and ensure efficient management of available resources to improve patient outcomes.