The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has revealed a disturbing trend in the country’s healthcare sector. As of March 2025, there are only 11,899 resident doctors operating in Nigeria. This alarming figure represents a significant decline in the number of medical professionals in the country.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, attributes the decline to the increasing brain drain and poor working conditions in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. Many doctors are leaving the country in search of better opportunities, with some even taking international exams to facilitate their exit. This trend is not unique to Nigeria, as many African countries are facing similar challenges in retaining their medical talent.
Dr. Osundara emphasizes that raising the retirement age of healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years is not a sufficient solution to address the human resource gap in the sector. Instead, he advocates for improving incentives and working conditions to encourage more doctors to remain in the country. This includes providing better salaries, improved infrastructure, and opportunities for career advancement.
The Nigerian government approved a national policy on health workforce migration in August 2024. However, Dr. Osundara questions the implementation of this policy, citing concerns about the impact on productivity and the lack of corresponding adjustments in doctors’ salaries. He also notes that the policy’s focus on restricting the movement of healthcare workers may not be the most effective solution, as it does not address the underlying issues driving the brain drain.
The shortage of resident doctors in Nigeria is having a significant impact on healthcare services. Many hospitals are struggling to cope with the reduced workforce, leading to longer waiting times, reduced services, and a decrease in the overall quality of care. This is particularly concerning in a country where healthcare services are already overstretched and under-resourced.
To address the crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the government must prioritize improving working conditions, incentives, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. This includes:
– Increasing funding for healthcare: The government must increase funding for healthcare to improve infrastructure, equipment, and staffing.
– Improving salaries and benefits: Doctors’ salaries and benefits must be improved to make the profession more attractive and competitive.
– Providing opportunities for career advancement: Opportunities for career advancement, such as training and education programs, must be provided to encourage doctors to remain in the country.
– Addressing the brain drain: The government must address the underlying issues driving the brain drain, such as poor working conditions, lack of infrastructure, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
The shortage of resident doctors in Nigeria is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. To address this crisis, the government must prioritize improving working conditions, incentives, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. Only then can Nigeria hope to retain its medical talent and provide quality healthcare services to its citizens.