The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has called on the Federal Government and state governments to declare a state of emergency in Nigeria's health sector. He warned that worsening conditions are driving medical professionals out of the country.
Speaking during the 32nd induction ceremony of newly graduated medical students into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Omotoso described the country's healthcare system as being in a troubling state. According to him, poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, and the continued migration of doctors and other health workers abroad have weakened healthcare delivery across Nigeria. He said urgent intervention was needed to prevent further decline in the sector.
Call for State of Emergency
Omotoso urged authorities to declare a state of emergency in the health sector and proposed a policy that would stop political office holders from seeking medical treatment overseas. He stated: "I strongly recommend that the government should declare a state of emergency in the health sector. This is quite important. One of the most radical steps that can be taken is to implement a policy that will stop politicians and public officeholders from going outside the country to seek medical attention."
He argued that forcing public officials to use local hospitals would encourage greater investment in healthcare infrastructure and improve services available to ordinary Nigerians. "If that is done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into. But when those who determine hospital funding are not even patronising hospitals within the country, the problem continues and lingers. This is the starting point for us to redeem the image of medical practice in the country," the family medicine specialist added.
Minimum Salary Demand
Omotoso stressed the need for better welfare packages for healthcare workers, saying doctors, nurses, and other professionals should be compensated in line with current economic realities. He declared: "Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million per month. An average politician even takes this amount as an allowance. The government must always understand that poorly motivated employees may not give their very best."
He noted that many newly employed doctors currently earn between N250,000 and N300,000 monthly, an amount he said is no longer sufficient given rising inflation, the increasing cost of living, and the demands of medical practice. Nigeria continues to lose its best medical brains to the UK, Canada, and the US due to poor starting salaries.
Induction of New Graduates
Despite the severe infrastructure challenges facing the health sector, 71 fresh medical graduates were officially inducted into the profession at OOU, Ago-Iwoye. Omotoso encouraged them to be intentional about their career choices and embrace emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which is increasingly shaping modern healthcare. He also advised the graduates to remain committed to giving back to society and contributing to the development of their alma mater.
Speaking on the theme, "The Road Ahead: Connecting Today's Graduate with Tomorrow's Legacy," the immediate past ARD President of OOUTH, Dr Olusola Monehin, urged the new doctors to uphold professionalism throughout their careers. Monehin encouraged them to serve patients with compassion, maintain integrity, embrace innovation, and remain committed to the ethical standards of the medical profession. He further highlighted the value of mentorship, noting that guidance from experienced professionals could prove crucial in navigating future career challenges.
