NMA Urges Action on Doctors' Exodus and Insecurity

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed alarm regarding the deteriorating conditions faced by healthcare workers in Nigeria, attributing the increasing migration of medical professionals to inadequate remuneration, insecurity, and difficult working environments. This announcement was made during a press conference following the NMA's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.

The NEC, which is the highest policy-making body of the NMA, convened representatives from medical doctors across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to discuss critical healthcare delivery issues. The NMA acknowledged government efforts in healthcare infrastructure but emphasized that without proper investment in the workforce, quality healthcare cannot be assured.

The association called on the Federal Government to resolve outstanding welfare issues and finalize the Collective Bargaining Agreement to mitigate dissatisfaction among health workers. Additionally, the NMA requested tax relief for healthcare professionals and highlighted the urgent need for government intervention regarding youth drug and substance abuse, declaring it a national public health priority.