The President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has demanded that the least-paid doctor in Nigeria should not earn less than N1 million per month.
Omotoso made the call on Monday during the induction of medical graduates into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
He argued that poor conditions of service and poor remuneration are major reasons many health workers are leaving the country in droves in search of greener pastures. He noted that the far-reaching effect of this exodus is an acute shortage of medical personnel in health facilities.
“The truth is that practising medicine in the country is no longer appealing and encouraging, and the faster the government moves to address this challenge, the better for all of us,” Omotoso said.
“I strongly recommend that the government should please declare a state of emergency in the health sector. And one of the most radical steps that can be taken is to implement a policy that will stop politicians and public office holders from going outside of this country to seek medical attention.”
“If that is being done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into. But when those who call the shots about hospital funding are not even patronising the hospital within the shores of the country, then the problem continues, and the problem lingers. This is the starting step for us to redeem the image of medical practice in the country.”
Omotoso also challenged the government to ensure that doctors, nurses and health workers are adequately paid, just like politicians.
“Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million per month. An average politician even takes this amount as allowance. The government must always understand that poorly motivated employees may not give their very best,” he said.
He stated that the entry salary for a medical doctor is currently between N250,000 and N300,000, saying that the government must take drastic steps to review this and make it at least N1 million per month, given the turbulent economy and the challenge of inflation.
Congratulating the 71 graduating medical students, Omotoso urged them to carefully define their paths in the profession and embrace digital technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, which is revolutionising every profession, including medicine.
The immediate past ARD President of the hospital, Dr Olusola Monehin, urged the graduating medical students to serve with compassion even as they prioritise integrity, innovation and conform to the ethics of the profession. He also highlighted the place of mentorship, maintaining that one piece of conversation could be all that is needed to serve as a lifeline in navigating the challenges that lie ahead.
