Chief Medical Director laments ‘Japa’ syndrome, highlights challenges of Nigeria’s health sector
Dr Bala Waziri, the Chief Medical Director of IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, Niger State, has lamented over the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare sector and proposed measures to tackle them.
In a recent interview with a national newspaper, Dr Waziri revealed the enduring issue of brain drain afflicting the nation’s healthcare landscape.
Reflecting on his journey as a young doctor, he acknowledged the allure of emigration due to various push factors.
He emphasised the importance of encouraging professionals to return and contribute to their homeland despite enticing offers abroad, highlighting the subsidised nature of medical education in Nigeria as a factor that should encourage professionals to give back to the country.
According to him, the rampant ‘japa syndrome,’ the trend of professionals leaving for better prospects overseas, was a significant setback for healthcare institutions like IBB Specialist Hospital.
”Let me give you an example. A job interview was conducted for 70 doctors in Niger State, and we could only lay our hands on 15 doctors to come for the computer-based exams.
”Even after taking the 15 doctors, the attrition rate will be high. Just give them five or six months, and most of them will tell you they are leaving; they will tender their resignation.
”So, we are encouraging the government to put in place a waiver on replacement. If they leave, then we will also have other people out there to replace them,” he said.
Dr. Waziri highlighted the struggles in maintaining staffing levels and urged the government to implement waivers on employment replacements to counteract the attrition rate.
Addressing concerns about doctors leaving for studies abroad, he clarified that while there might not be direct binding agreements compelling their return, professionals were encouraged to return and contribute to Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Dr. Waziri refuted claims that medical tourism among the elite solely contributed to the state of government hospitals.
He underscored the necessity for specialised treatments unavailable within Nigeria, necessitating overseas travel for critical procedures like cardiac or liver transplants.
Categorising the challenges faced, he emphasised the shortage of healthcare workers, infrastructure inadequacies, and limitations in skills enhancement within the country.
Factors such as an unsupportive environment, insecurity, and inadequate remuneration were pinpointed as pivotal push factors contributing to brain drain.
Dr Waziri emphasised that addressing these issues would fortify Nigeria’s healthcare system, highlighting the need for infrastructural upgrades, advanced medical equipment, and increased university capacities.
He also stressed the importance of incentivising healthcare professionals to encourage their retention.