The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has lamented over the significant decline in the number of resident doctors practicing in Nigeria, stating that the number of its members has now dropped 11,899.
NARD which represents around 40% of doctors in Nigeria, stressed that improving incentives and working conditions for doctors in the country would encourage more doctors to remain in the country as opposed to travelling abroad.
The association’s President, Dr Tope Osundara revealed this in an interview stating that raising the retirement age of healthcare workers from 60 to 65 years was not the only solution to combat the critical shortage of healthcare personnel in the country.
NARD President, Dr. Osundara explained that more efforts should be directed towards improving Nigeria’s medical facilities and making the working conditions more attractive to doctors.
He said, “Raising the retirement age is not the ultimate solution to filling the gap in human resources within the health sector. As you may notice, there are even doctors who, after finishing medical school, leave the country without waiting for a job. I know several who have been taking international exams just to leave Nigeria. Recently, a consultant who had completed residency in Nigeria was marked for a U.S. residency programme, and this is becoming increasingly common.
“In the past, Nigeria hosted medical professionals from countries like India, but now we’re seeing a reverse trend—many of our own doctors are leaving to work abroad. If we make the conditions here more appealing, we could even attract doctors from other countries to practice in Nigeria.”
NARD President also stated that while Nigeria may not be able to replicate the high medical standards of developed countries, adopting a similar healthcare system could be effective. He added that the the impact of the challenge is felt across several other sector and not the medical sector alone.
He said “Even if we can’t reach 100 per cent of the standards in developed nations, a 70–80 per cent similarity would make doctors feel more comfortable, knowing that Nigeria is doing its best within its available resources,”
“We are all feeling the strain of harsh working conditions. Retaining our best talent is crucial for the growth of the country.” he added.
He further criticized the implementation of the national health workforce migration policy approved by President Bola Tinubu in August 2024.
“The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has done his part, but implementation remains an issue. It’s one thing to propose a policy, but it’s another to see it through.”
“For instance, while the minimum wage has increased, there has been no corresponding adjustment in doctors’ salaries. How can we raise the bar when the foundational issues remain unresolved?”
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