Nigeria’s healthcare system faces a deepening crisis as only 6,000 medical consultants remain in the country, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) disclosed on Friday. The alarming figure reflects an exodus of professionals, with 1,300 consultants leaving in the past five years, according to MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad.
Speaking at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, Mohammad warned the situation will worsen. “Approximately 1,700 consultants are above 55 years old and will retire in the next five years,” he said. With Nigeria producing just one or two consultants annually, he added, “The replacement cannot keep up with the loss from ‘Japa’ syndrome and retirement.”
The NEC meeting, themed *“Policy Making for Quality Healthcare Services: Engaging Policy Makers for Quality Healthcare Delivery,”* brought together policymakers and stakeholders to address these challenges. The ‘Japa syndrome,’ a term referring to the mass emigration of Nigerian professionals seeking better opportunities abroad, has exacerbated staff shortages in the healthcare sector.
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Mohammad urged the government to revise policies to retain medical talent. He proposed extending retirement ages and placing medical lecturers on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to curb emigration and improve motivation.
Dr. Amina El-Imam, Kwara State’s Commissioner for Health, emphasized the importance of strong policies in ensuring quality healthcare. “Appropriate policies are critical for achieving a robust healthcare system that delivers for our citizens,” she said.
Guest speaker Dr. Amos Magaji, a federal lawmaker, stressed that comprehensive policymaking could transform healthcare delivery. Meanwhile, Prof. Tanimola Akande of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) called for improved self-care among doctors, urging them to prioritize their well-being through regular check-ups and exercise.
Prof. Kazeem Ibrahim, chairman of the NEC meeting’s local organizing committee, highlighted the urgent need for solutions. “Countless policies have been formulated, but many vulnerable citizens still suffer due to their limited impact,” he said.
The meeting concluded with calls for sustainable strategies to address the ongoing brain drain and improve working conditions for healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
