The International College of Surgeons, Nigerian Section, has expressed deep concern over the alarming exodus of Nigerian doctors to the United Kingdom in search of better opportunities, leaving a severe healthcare deficit in the country. According to the College, an estimated 6,221 Nigerian doctors have migrated to the UK in the past six years, resulting in a shocking ratio of 1 doctor to over 4,000 patients in Nigeria, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 1 doctor to 600 patients.
In a communique issued after the College’s 56th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Lagos, President Professor Akanimo Essiet and Secretary General Professor Lucky Onotai highlighted the impact of this phenomenon, known as “Japa,” on the healthcare workforce. They stated that approximately 87% of the healthcare workforce in Nigeria is dissatisfied and wishes to emigrate for better opportunities. The consequences of this mass migration are dire, as millions of Nigerians will struggle to access healthcare services.
The communique also revealed a significant rise in the number of registered Nigerian doctors in the UK, increasing from 4,765 in 2017 to 10,986 in 2023. This trend underscores the widening gap in the Nigerian healthcare system and emphasizes the urgent need to address the factors driving this migration.
The exodus of doctors can be attributed to increased economic hardships and concerns over insecurity in Nigeria. The “Japa” phenomenon, driven by a desire for greener pastures, has severely impacted the healthcare sector, exacerbating an already strained system.
The issue of brain drain in the Nigerian health sector has been a subject of concern, as highlighted by former Health Minister Joseph Ekumankama in August 2022. The current situation further emphasizes the need for immediate action to retain healthcare professionals and address the underlying issues that drive them to seek opportunities abroad.
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