The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Nasarawa State has called on the state government to recruit additional skilled medical professionals to combat the current shortage of doctors in public healthcare facilities. Following the inauguration of the new officials in Lafia, the association chairman, Dr. Isa Ohyoma, expressed his thoughts. He emphasised that addressing the lack of doctors in public hospitals would be the top priority for the current leadership as it plays a crucial role in improving the quality of healthcare services.
He detailed how the lack of medical professionals negatively impacted those who chose not to surrender to the attraction of migrating to other countries for improved benefits and working environments. The Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) in Lafia is currently staffed with 170 doctors, catering to 388,000 people across the state. The doctor-to-patient ratio is below the average for referral cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a ratio of one doctor for every 600 patients, but in this state, the number of patients per doctor far exceeds this guideline.
Medical association seeks government support to retain more doctors.
Also, he explained that the Federal Medical Centre Keffi and all hospitals in the state are experiencing a significant work overload that is already impacting them. According to the NMA Chairman, while it may be impossible to prevent Brain Drain completely, it is possible to control it by providing improved benefits, rewards, and protection for their workforce. He urged the government to increase the number of medical professionals employed, enhance doctors’ well-being, and guarantee their safety to prevent the outflow of skilled personnel.
Ohyoma expressed concern that the departure of skilled medical professionals, driven by inadequate welfare, threatens the healthcare system’s renewed hope for progress. He emphasised the need for urgent action to address these challenges and prevent further setbacks. To this end, Ohyoma committed to collaborating closely with the state government and leaders of healthcare institutions to enhance services for the people. He expressed deep gratitude and thanked the members for entrusting the newly elected officials with the association’s leadership for the next two years.
Access to quality health outcomes is important in the country.
Additionally, the departure of doctors seeking better prospects overseas decreases the standard of care, delays appointments, and limits patients’ access to crucial medical services, resulting in failure patient outcomes and higher workloads for the existing staff. The state’s healthcare system is being undermined by a cycle created by overwhelming workloads for the remaining healthcare workers, which results in burnout, decreased confidence, and increased attrition. Nasarawa State has a lower doctor-to-patient ratio when compared to other regions and around the world.
For instance, the Lagos State ratio is typically around 1:400, showing a better balance than Nasarawa. These differences have a direct effect on the healthcare system, resulting in lower quality of care and reduced access, ultimately leading to poorer health results and higher rates of death. As a result, urgent action and resource allocation are needed to address the disparities in healthcare access across different regions effectively. Also, current governmental strategies to alleviate the scarcity of healthcare workers have produced varying results.
Related Article: WHO, PSHAN to improve Nigeria’s healthcare
Efforts to attract and retain medical professionals through recruitment campaigns and incentive programs have been initiated but frequently need more execution and continuity. To enhance these policies, a thorough evaluation of current structures is essential. This evaluation should emphasise the need for enhanced compensation, upgraded work environments, and encouragement for continuous growth in professional skills. Creating a welcoming atmosphere for healthcare workers in the state and beyond can lead to retaining skilled professionals and improving the overall healthcare system with government support.