The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has highlighted the government’s failure to implement the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure as a key factor exacerbating the problem of brain drain, both domestically and internationally, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome.”
Dr. Babajide Saheed, the chapter’s Chairman, conveyed this concern during a press briefing held before the association’s upcoming Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Lagos.
Dr. Saheed underscored that the healthcare sector in Lagos State is presently facing significant human resource difficulties, particularly impacting its members employed by the state administration.
The scarcity of medical and dental professionals has escalated to a critical level, intensifying the burden on these healthcare workers and resulting in high levels of stress and burnout among them.
The Delta variant of COVID-19 increases the challenges in the healthcare landscape, underscoring the urgent need for the governmental implementation of measures that support and prioritize the well-being and compensation of medical professionals.
“In light of this, the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State Branch, urgently demands the immediate implementation of the reviewed CONMESS for our members employed by the Lagos state government.
“This is essential to bridging the existing salary gap and ensuring equitable remuneration.
“Additionally, we call for the prompt commencement of arrangements for implementing the new minimum wage to prevent further disparities when the new salary structure is adopted,” he said.
Speaking at the AGM and Scientific Conference, Saheed said that the event, held from July 28 to Aug. 3 had the theme: “Healthcare Delivery in Nigeria Amidst Multifaceted Challenges”.
The theme effectively conveys the numerous obstacles facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, which is plagued by a complex array of systemic issues.
These challenges include a severe shortage of healthcare professionals, subpar infrastructure, widespread poverty, cultural and religious barriers, and misguided healthcare policies.
Furthermore, Saheed noted that the sector’s progress, especially in Lagos, has been significantly impeded by infighting among healthcare workers, inadequate funding, and insufficient budget allocations.
Additionally, the event serves as a somber reminder of the tragic loss of Dr. Vwaere Diaso, who fell victim to a faulty elevator at the General Hospital in Lagos one year ago, highlighting the dire need for improvement in the healthcare system.
“In her honor, we call upon the Lagos state government to immortalise her by naming the doctors’ quarters at General Hospital as the “Dr. Vwaere Diaso Doctors Quarters,” he noted.
Saheed also appealed to the state government to expedite the renovation of the house officers’ quarters and ensure the immediate installation of a functional elevator to alleviate the physical and emotional stress currently faced by the house officers.
“Ideally, the government should consider relocating the house officers during the renovation to ensure their safety and well-being,” he said.
Saheed called on the Federal Government to reevaluate and revamp its economic policies to address the country’s economic woes.
He stressed the need to ease the harsh conditions faced by citizens to prevent widespread unrest and enhance their overall well-being.
Meanwhile, Saheed reaffirmed the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Lagos chapter’s dedication to prioritizing members’ welfare and security, promoting medical education, and fostering excellence in medical practice in Lagos and beyond.
