The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State chapter, has raised concerns over the worsening shortage of medical doctors in the state, calling on governments at all levels to establish more medical schools and expand the training of healthcare professionals to address the growing manpower crisis.
The association said Nigeria is losing a significant number of doctors to migration in search of better remuneration, improved working conditions and career opportunities abroad, leaving hospitals across the country overstretched and unable to meet the healthcare needs of the population.
According to the Akwa Ibom NMA Chairman, Prof. Aniekan Peter, increasing the number of accredited medical schools and expanding admission capacity are critical to producing more doctors capable of filling existing vacancies in public health institutions. He stressed that improving medical education must go hand in hand with better welfare packages to discourage the mass exodus of health professionals.
The association noted that while governments continue to invest in healthcare infrastructure, the absence of sufficient medical personnel threatens to undermine those investments. It urged federal and state authorities to prioritise human capital development through the establishment of additional medical schools, teaching hospitals and residency training programmes.
The appeal comes as the Akwa Ibom State Government intensifies reforms in the health sector. Governor Umo Eno recently approved nine health sector reform bills, including proposals to strengthen medical training institutions and provide a legal framework for a University Teaching Hospital, as part of efforts to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
The NMA has consistently advocated improved remuneration and working conditions for doctors, warning that poor pay and unfavourable conditions are accelerating the brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector. Earlier this month, the association issued a strike ultimatum to the management of St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua, Uyo, over poor remuneration and the failure to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Health experts say tackling Nigeria’s shortage of doctors will require a combination of expanded medical education, improved welfare, better funding for the health sector and policies that encourage trained professionals to remain and practise in the country.
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