The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Kwara Branch has raised an alarm over the critical shortage of medical doctors in the state.
With a population exceeding 3.6 million, Kwara State is serviced by only 650 medical doctors, resulting in a doctor-to-patient ratio of approximately 1:5,538, a situation that the NMA describes as a significant healthcare crisis.
Speaking at a news conference in Ilorin, ahead of the 2024 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association, Ola Ahmed, the outgoing NMA Chairman, highlighted the dire straits of the healthcare sector in Kwara.
Ahmed, who is concluding his two-year tenure, expressed concern over the persistent brain drain affecting healthcare delivery in the state.
The term “Japa” refers to the increasing trend of Nigerian professionals, including doctors, migrating abroad in search of better opportunities.
Ahmed attributed this exodus to several factors, including economic hardship, insecurity, and inadequate medical infrastructure.
He emphasized that these challenges are not only prevalent in Kwara State but are reflective of a broader national issue impacting the healthcare sector.
Despite these challenges, Ahmed commended Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq for his investments in healthcare delivery within the state.
He noted that the governor had promptly approved the consequential adjustment of medical professionals’ salaries, a move expected to motivate healthcare workers and potentially curb the brain drain trend.
The NMA chairman also outlined various achievements of the Association during his tenure.
These accomplishments include significant contributions towards the establishment of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH).
