NMA laments brain drain, calls for fair remuneration

The President, National Medical Association, Bala Audu, has again, lamented the level of brain drain among health professionals in Nigeria.

Audu called on governments at all levels to ensure the uniform implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

He made this lamentation during a press conference in commemoration of the 2024 National Physicians’ Week with the theme, “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” held at NMA office, in Ibadan, the state capital on Monday.

Audu, speaking through the state Chairman of the association, Happy Adedapo, further called for the prompt payment of all outstanding arrears related to salary upgrades, noting that the mass exodus, known as the “brain drain,” of health professionals was not merely a symptom of individual decisions, but a consequence of a system that fails to offer fair compensation and career fulfilment.

“When a healthcare worker is remunerated fairly and equitably, they feel valued and respected. This respect, in turn, fuels their dedication, strengthens their commitment to patient care, and fortifies the larger health ecosystem.

“Unfortunately, despite the strides we have made, healthcare workers in Nigeria face a host of financial disparities. Pay structures vary widely depending on location, institution, and cadre, creating a fragmented remuneration system that is neither sustainable nor competitive on a global scale.

“Many doctors and indeed health workers, find themselves overworked and underpaid, and the inconsistency in salaries is evident not only across the country but even within similar healthcare institutions.

“These disparities discourage young and talented healthcare professionals from entering or staying in the workforce, ultimately exacerbating the burden on those who remain,” he stated.

While emphasising the importance of quality investment in the country’s health infrastructure, improving working conditions for healthcare workers and prioritising health in the national agenda, Audu explained that Nigeria was blessed with talented, knowledgeable and passionate health workers who are capable of achieving great things.

“What we need now is the support and investment from our leaders. Globally, countries recognize the importance of fair remuneration and invest in competitive salary packages and attractive benefits to retain healthcare talent.

“Nigeria must recognise that its healthcare professionals, just like any other global workforce, are mobile. We cannot expect to compete for talent unless we make remuneration fair, transparent and universally applicable.

“The alternative is the loss of our best and brightest minds to countries willing to invest in their workforce.” He added.