The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on all employers of medical personnel, including government bodies, to prioritise the welfare of medical doctors as a strategic move to curb the rising trend of medical professionals emigrating from Nigeria — commonly referred to as the Japa syndrome.
Speaking at a grand reception in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NMA National President, Prof. Bala Audu, addressed journalists during an event organised in honour of newly appointed commissioners and Senior Special Assistants (SSA) with medical and insurance portfolios. The reception was held at the Doctors’ Mess on Monday.
Prof. Audu emphasised that the shortage of healthcare workers is a global issue, not exclusive to Nigeria. However, he maintained that the best way to retain medical professionals is by improving their working conditions and ensuring consistent support from the government.
“Shortage of medical doctors is not peculiar to Akwa Ibom State or Nigeria — in fact, the entire world is experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers,” Audu noted. “What I will advise is that employers of medical personnel, including governments at all levels, should prioritise the welfare of doctors in order to retain them.”
He commended Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, for implementing a health workforce retention policy, describing it as a timely and commendable initiative aimed at reversing the healthcare brain drain.
Audu urged the governor to enforce universal standards across all healthcare facilities in the state, ensuring that every hospital — especially tertiary institutions — is adequately staffed, properly equipped, and fully functional.
“The health sector is a key part of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE agenda. I have seen the health workforce retention policy. But no matter what is done in terms of infrastructure or equipment, the personnel must be united and well-supported,” he added.
“All state-owned teaching hospitals must meet standard healthcare benchmarks. The buildings must be adequate, the equipment functional, and the personnel appropriate — only then can we ensure quality service delivery for the people.”
In his welcome remarks, Dr. Aniekan Peter, Chairman of NMA in Akwa Ibom, praised Governor Eno for appointing three commissioners with medical backgrounds to the state executive council. He assured the governor of the association’s full support to advance the state’s healthcare objectives.
“We will stand with you and your principal, Umo Eno, to ensure that the welfare of medical personnel is elevated, and the health of our people is protected,” Peter said.
He also highlighted the success of the Health Centre Initiative launched by the association in March, stating that the programme has already impacted many lives, particularly through partnerships with ECWS and state teaching hospitals — with a focus on improving healthcare access in rural communities.