Kaduna NMA Warns of Doctor Shortage Amid Healthcare Crisis

The Nigerian Medical Association, Kaduna State Branch, has reported a significant shortage of medical doctors in the state, with only about 1,600 currently licensed to practice, down from approximately 2,000. Dr Aisha Mustapha, the state chairman, highlighted that this decline, driven by insecurity, poor remuneration, professional burnout, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poses a serious threat to effective healthcare delivery.

The doctor-to-population ratio in Kaduna State is now one physician for every 6,000 residents. Mustapha emphasized the need for urgent government intervention to strengthen recruitment and retention of doctors.

She pointed out that disparities in remuneration between doctors in general hospitals and those in teaching hospitals have led to internal migration, further straining the healthcare system. Mustapha called for salary harmonization and improved working conditions to retain doctors in public hospitals, noting that insecurity also hinders healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.