The Nigerian Medical Association, Kwara branch, has formally advised the state government to provide scholarships, low-interest loans, and other incentives to both engage and entice doctors to work within the state.

The Acting Vice Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Ayinde Musa, gave this advice on Thursday in Ilorin, Kwara, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria.

Musa’s comments came in response to the state government’s public lament about the dearth of medical doctors in the state’s health facilities.

To address the shortage of doctors and tackle the severe effects of the ‘japa’ syndrome, Musa observed that the state government must commit to improving healthcare infrastructure.

He called for improved remuneration and incentives for doctors that are competitive enough to match the working conditions and pay offered in Western countries. He specifically urged the government to build and remodel medical facilities to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services.

Furthermore, Musa encouraged the government to engage proactively with stakeholders in the health sector to find sustainable solutions to the challenge, suggesting that the government should consult with relevant professionals to attract doctors to work in state hospitals.

Musa highlighted a key pool of local talent that could be tapped, stating: “Many doctors currently work with private organisations within the state and can be persuaded to join the public sector if offered attractive incentives and welfare packages.”

He outlined the specific incentives the government should provide to make public service appealing to medical professionals, saying: “The state government provide benefits such as scholarships, low-interest loans, and other incentives to make public service more appealing to medical professionals. These efforts will discourage medical practitioners from seeking greener pastures abroad and encourage them to contribute to Kwara’s healthcare sector.”

A 2024 report by The PUNCH noted that the mass emigration of Nigerian doctors, popularly referred to as the ‘Japa syndrome’, has continued to pose a significant threat to the country’s healthcare system, with public hospitals across several states struggling with acute staff shortages.

A PUNCH Healthwise report published in August 2024 also highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that the doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria had worsened to 1:10,000, falling far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended standard of 1:600, with the situation being particularly dire in states such as Kwara, Kogi, Niger, and Ekiti.