Patients to doctor ratio now 5,000 as against 600 – NMA
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), has identified brain drain, insecurity, poor renumeration packages among others as part of reasons for the shortfall of medical professionals in the country.
Disclosing this in an address shortly before declaring its National Conference in Gombe closed, President Dr. Uche Ojinmah said as against recognised best standard of One doctor to 600 patients, Nigeria accounts for one to 5000 patients.
Read Also:
NMA slams Abia State Govt over 24-month salaries, allowances
According to Ojinmah, the reduction in human resources has negative impact on patient satisfaction as the few available ones are overwhelmed.
He said, “Brain drain challenges in Nigeria portend serious Labour crisis in most health facilities in the country, health workers already being overstretched with serious distortion in the already worst Doctor Patient ratio one-5000 in Nigeria as against the world health organisation recommended one-600 the shortage of doctors is currently driving the epidemic of physician burnout in Nigeria.
“The NEC also note the negative effect of physician burnout in all aspect of medical care including lower patients satisfaction and care quality. Expresses dismay for government inability to address the push factors driving brain drain which are mass exodus of doctors and other health workers in search of greener pastures.
“NEC reiterate unless something drastic is done by government to address the problem of brain drain, the already worst health indices may eventually spiral out of control. Also note, rapid population growth and resulting encroachment into wilderness by humans, globalisation, extensive resistance to drugs by micro organisms and climate change, are the key factors responsible for emerging and reemerging of diseases outbreak.”
Ojinmah lauded government contributions in the combat of emerging health issues in the country, while urging for more surveillance, he called for capacity building for members.
“NEC appreciate the effort of government at all level and health care workers for the spirited fight against monkey pox and other re-emerging diseases.NEC urges the government to be more rigorous in continuous surveillance system, strike health measures in international travels.
Conduct regular training and retraining of health workers,” he added.
Ojinmah also urged the Federal Government to immortalise late Dr. Adedevoh who died from Ebola, noting that it would go a long way in encouraging practitioners in active service.
“NEC called on FG to immortalise Dr Stella Adadevoh, who sacrificed her life while fighting Ebola,” Ojinmah said.
