Nigeria Faces Doctor Shortage as 55,000 Remain Practicing

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised an alarm regarding the critical shortage of doctors in Nigeria, revealing that only 55,000 doctors are currently practicing in a country with a population of 220 million. This alarming disclosure was made during an ordinary general meeting and a scientific conference held at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

The NMA noted that at least 16,000 Nigerian doctors have emigrated in the last five years, exacerbating the already strained healthcare delivery system. The mass exodus significantly impacts mental healthcare services, leaving vulnerable Nigerians struggling to access timely treatment.

The current doctor-to-population ratio is far below the World Health Organization's recommended threshold of one doctor per 600 people. Prof.

Omoti Ernest, a representative of the NMA, confirmed that the continuous departure of skilled medical professionals poses serious challenges for hospitals across Nigeria, leading to increased workloads, burnout, and declining quality of care, especially in rural areas. Factors driving this migration include poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, insecurity, and limited career advancement opportunities.