The newly elected Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Edo State, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate at which Nigerian doctors are leaving the country.
Dr. Oseghale, a Consultant Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, urged the government at all levels to take urgent action to reverse this trend before it leads to a catastrophic healthcare crisis.
Speaking to journalists in Benin City shortly after the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Dr. Oseghale pointed to poor working conditions and inadequate pay as the main reasons behind the exodus of medical professionals.
“The health crisis in our country is getting worse, and the government at every level is playing the ostrich,” he said. He warned that while Nigeria took several decades to partially recover from the mass exodus of doctors in the 1980s, it may not fully recover from the current situation if urgent steps are not taken.
Dr. Oseghale highlighted the stark difference between the challenges faced by Nigerian doctors and the attractive opportunities available in countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
He noted that this mass emigration of skilled professionals is contributing significantly to Nigeria’s worsening healthcare crisis.
He also pledged to work closely with the Edo State government to address manpower shortages, improve working conditions, and promote better relationships among doctors in the state. Additionally, Dr. Oseghale stressed the importance of addressing insecurity, particularly the kidnapping of medical professionals.
He called for the immediate release of Dr. Ganiyat Poopola, who has been held captive for eight months. “Insecurity should be taken very seriously by the government,” he said, urging security operatives to ensure Dr. Poopola’s safe return.
Dr. Oseghale also emphasized the need to rethink the country’s approach to healthcare delivery, suggesting that the private sector should play a more prominent role in mitigating the effects of the ongoing medical brain drain.
“Several doctors resign from public health institutions every day in Edo State and the country. We need to redefine our approach to healthcare delivery, management of healthcare institutions, and enabling the private sector a prominent place in our healthcare delivery,” he added.
Other newly elected officials at the conference include Dr. John-Blaze Oamen as Deputy Chairman, Dr. Iluobe Inegbenosun as Secretary, Dr. Humphrey Aghaowa as Deputy Secretary, Dr. Elamah Ikpeminoghena as Treasurer, Dr. Aletor Ijegede as Financial Secretary, and Dr. Duke Udekhru as Public Relations Officer. This new team will lead the association from 2024 to 2026.
