The Nigerian Section of the International College of Surgeons, ICS-NS, has reported that in the past six years, the United Kingdom has attracted at least 6,221 doctors from Nigeria. This migration has resulted in a severe shortage of doctors in Nigeria, making it increasingly difficult for over 40 million Nigerians to access medical care due to the sharp rise in the patient-to-doctor ratio.
During the 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Lagos over the weekend, Prof. Akanimo Essiet, the President of the college, and Prof. Lucky Onotai, the Secretary-General, issued a statement expressing their concerns. They highlighted that the “JAPA” phenomenon (referring to Nigerians leaving the country) has significantly depleted the healthcare workforce. Studies indicate that approximately 87 percent of the healthcare workforce in Nigeria is dissatisfied and wishes to emigrate to countries with better opportunities.
Prior to 2022, there was a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1 to 4,000, whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a ratio of 1 to 600. However, the situation has worsened as the number of registered Nigerian doctors in the UK has increased from 4,765 in 2017 to 10,986 in 2023, resulting in a loss of 6,221 doctors to the UK over the past six years. This loss of healthcare professionals will make it increasingly challenging for over 40 million Nigerians to access medical services.
Additionally, the weakening Nigerian currency against the US dollar has led to healthcare professionals earning only a fraction of what their counterparts in foreign countries earn. The ICS-NS emphasizes the need for a gradual shift in healthcare policy from predominantly out-of-pocket financing to NHIA (National Health Insurance Authority) financed methods. They suggest encouraging private sector-led healthcare businesses through effective regulation to enhance healthcare service funding. These changes would lead to improved salaries for healthcare workers, better facilities, and enhanced access to quality healthcare in Nigeria.
The alarming security situation in the country is also negatively impacting the health status of Nigerians. The ICS-NS urges the government to take decisive action to address the security challenges.
Considering the aforementioned issues, the ICS-NS recommends the implementation of universal health coverage at the national, state, and local government levels. They propose expanding the insurance fund and ensuring equitable payments to Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare providers. Additionally, they suggest facilitating easy and affordable access to capital for investors in the health sector. State and local governments should prioritize attracting healthcare workers by providing quality healthcare facilities, improving infrastructure such as roads and electricity, ensuring access to clean drinking water, establishing outstanding schools, and promoting telecommunication accessibility. These measures would help increase the number of healthcare workers in these areas.
The ICS-NS also calls on the government at all levels to support the college’s surgical missions by collaborating and providing funding to deliver excellent surgical care to Nigerians.
To achieve these goals, it is imperative to significantly increase the budget allocation for health and ultimately reach the WHO-recommended percentage of the national budget.
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