Dr. Babajide Saheed, the Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has raised concerns about the negative effects of the “japa syndrome” (the migration of healthcare workers) on both the healthcare system and doctors’ personal lives. Saheed noted that the ongoing brain drain is exacerbating the shortage of medical professionals, particularly young doctors who often leave the country soon after completing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
This shortage is putting immense pressure on the remaining healthcare workers, leading to overwork, burnout, and strained relationships at home. Many doctors are unable to balance their professional and personal lives, which has resulted in a rise in domestic issues, including divorces, due to their prolonged absences from their families. Saheed emphasized that the increased workload and stress, combined with inadequate financial rewards, are taking a toll on doctors’ well-being.
The NMA chairman also highlighted the impact of these issues on healthcare delivery, as the reduced number of available doctors means fewer patients are seen, leading to longer wait times, higher morbidity and mortality rates, and a general decline in the quality of care. He called on the government to take urgent steps to address the challenges, including providing housing loans, car loans, and better salaries for doctors to encourage them to stay in the country.
Dr. Saheed further criticized the high tax burden on doctors, stressing that they are among the highest-taxed professionals in the civil service. He called for tax rebates on core duty allowances to ease the financial strain on healthcare workers.
The government has been urged to focus on improving working conditions for doctors to help retain talent and strengthen the healthcare sector, ensuring better healthcare delivery for Nigerians.