The newly elected National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti, has described the dire state of Nigeria's healthcare system, emphasizing the deplorable conditions under which many physicians work.
"In some hospitals, doctors stay in rooms not fit for domestic animals. Yet we expect them to perform optimally," he lamented.
Omoti warned that the combination of poor working environments and inadequate welfare is accelerating the exodus of medical professionals from the country, a phenomenon popularly known as "Japa."
"Our country is in crisis. There are no doctors. The few that are left are doing the work of almost ten doctors," he stated.
The NMA president attributed the migration trend to low remuneration and unfavorable working conditions, noting that Nigerian doctors are among the lowest paid globally.
"No doctor deserves to be underpaid, overtaxed, overworked, and placed in unsafe, unhealthy, and poorly equipped environments. The time to change this narrative is now," he asserted.
Omoti also criticized the low level of funding in the health sector, stressing that Nigeria continues to fall short of the 15 percent allocation target under the Abuja Declaration.
"Nigeria currently allocates between four and six percent to health. If we move closer to the 15 percent benchmark, we will begin to see improvements in facilities and service delivery," he added.
He further disclosed that many doctors are forced to work long hours without adequate rest, feeding arrangements, or institutional support.
On the possibility of industrial action, Omoti said the association would prioritize dialogue but would not rule out a strike if the government fails to respond.
"If the government does not do what is required, there will be a strike. We will pursue advocacy first, but we will take any step necessary," he warned.
