The Ondo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has appealed to the state government to enhance the welfare of its members, aiming to reduce the rate of medical professionals leaving the state.
The association’s appeal to the government to implement an improved salary structure, specifically the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, aims to address the brain drain affecting Nigeria’s healthcare sector in recent times.
Speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital, at an occasion heralding the 2024 Physicians Week, on Tuesday, the state Chairman of NMA, Olumuyiwa Alonge, attributed the exodus of health workers to the poor condition of service, urging the government to improve the welfare of health workers in the state.
This year’s celebration was themed, ‘Ensuring universal applicability in remuneration: a panacea to talent retention in the healthcare system,’ with sub-themes, which include, ‘Mitigating the impact of infectious diseases: addressing the monkeypox outbreak and beyond,’ as well as ‘ Early detection of breast cancer and current trends in the management of breast cancer.’
Alonge pointed out that when healthcare professionals are remunerated fairly and equitably, they will feel valued and respected and that will strengthen their commitment and dedication to patient care.
He said, “We urge all levels of government to ensure the uniform implementation of our salary structure, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure across all healthcare levels. We also call for the prompt payment of all outstanding arrears related to salary upgrades, including the new minimum wage.
“In recent years, we have observed an alarming trend: our most experienced and skilled healthcare professionals, the lifeblood of our healthcare system, are leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad in drives, and our dear state is not spared. This mass exodus, known as brain drain, is not merely a symptom of individual decisions; it is a consequence of a system that has failed to offer compensation and career fulfillment “.
While addressing newsmen in Akure, at an occasion heralding the 2024 Physicians Week, on Tuesday, the state Chairman of NMA, Olumuyiwa Alonge,The Nigerian Medical Association urgently called on the government to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, addressing the brain drain plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, fueled by subpar remuneration, inadequate working conditions and rampant insecurity.
This year’s edition of the annual celebration was themed, ‘Ensuring universal applicability in remuneration: a panacea to talent retention in the healthcare system,’ with sub-themes, which include, ‘Mitigating the impact of infectious diseases: addressing the monkeypox outbreak and beyond,’ as well as ‘ Early detection of breast cancer and current trends in the management of breast cancer.’
In health care, Fair remuneration transcends monetary compensation, symbolizing the recognition and appreciation of healthcare professionals’ expertise, dedication and emotional investment, fostering excellence and safeguarding against burnout.
According to Dr Alonge, “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 discouraged young and talented healthcare professionals from entering or staying in the workforce, ultimately exacerbating the burden on those who remain behind to serve.”
The chairman urged the government to enhance working conditions for healthcare professionals beyond salary increases, recognizing this improves talent retention. Improved working conditions encompass robust infrastructure, reliable equipment and sufficient staffing to reduce workload and burnout.
Eniola Jolaoso