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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday called for improved welfare packages for doctors and other healthcare workers in the country.
Obasanjo noted that the rate at which the country is losing its healthcare professionals to other parts of the world due to poor working conditions is highly alarming.
He warned that if the government at all levels fails to address the root causes of this migration, the continued survival of the country could face a serious threat.
The former President, represented by the Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu, made this known during the opening ceremony of the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, held at the hospital’s Telemedicine Centre.
The conference, themed “Evolving Roles of Doctors in Healthcare Management and Nation Building,” saw Obasanjo emphasising that resident doctors are the foundation of any country’s medical services, and Nigeria is no exception.
“It is therefore essential for governments at all levels to ensure adequate welfare packages for doctors, without whom it would be impossible to provide meaningful medical services.
“Having seen the immense work resident doctors are doing in our hospitals, I appeal that their welfare should be prioritised.
“The issue of doctors being abducted and kidnapped should not be treated lightly. I hope that, by the end of this conference, the Federal, State, and Local Governments will take steps to improve the welfare of not only doctors but all healthcare workers.”
He added: “The rate at which the ‘Japa syndrome’ is affecting our health sector is alarming. Many of our sub-specialties are now inoperative because the specialists have left the country.”
Obasanjo warned that if the government fails to address the issue of poor remuneration for healthcare workers, coupled with the worsening economic conditions, more health workers will leave the country in search of greener pastures, leaving Nigeria in a worse position.
Speaking at the event, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, urged doctors to remain in the country to care for its growing population.
Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, reiterated the government’s commitment to engaging health workers to chart a way forward and ensure their concerns are addressed.
The governor also encouraged doctors to focus on managing medical waste, which accounts for 30 per cent of global waste production. He urged them to become environmental advocates and contribute to efforts to combat climate change and its consequences.
Welcoming his colleagues to the conference, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Dele Abdulahi, expressed concern over the growing insecurity and economic hardship in the country, noting that these challenges are affecting everyone, including resident doctors.
Dr Abdulahi acknowledged the resilience of resident doctors, who continue to provide optimal healthcare services despite these difficulties. He used the occasion to call for the release of their colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted in Kaduna in December last year. He also demanded improved working conditions, fair remuneration, and other measures that could enhance the quality of healthcare delivery in the country.
He encouraged his colleagues to remain committed to delivering the best possible care for Nigerians and noted that the conference provides a valuable platform to exchange ideas and further discuss the development of the health sector.
