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Newly-elected National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Afekhide Omoti, on Thursday called for improved welfare, better working conditions and enhanced security for medical practitioners as measures to curb the growing brain drain in the nation’s health sector.
Omoti made the call when he was received at the Benin Airport by members and leaders of the NMA Edo State Branch, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), and other affiliate bodies.
Speaking with journalists shortly after his arrival, the NMA president said the welfare and dignity of medical doctors would remain a top priority during his administration.
According to him, efforts would also be intensified to create a conducive working environment for healthcare professionals across the country.
“We will do everything in our power to restore the dignity of medical doctors and improve their welfare.
“Also, security and a conducive work environment for medical practitioners and indeed all health workers will be a priority,” he said.
Omoti lamented the increasing rate at which young medical professionals leave the country in search of greener pastures abroad, describing the development as dangerous for Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“Our young ones cannot finish school and go abroad because at the moment, that’s all they do. They write foreign examinations and take off. We want to make sure that kind of thing stops,” he stated.
He warned that the continued migration of doctors could worsen the already strained healthcare system if urgent steps were not taken.
“We cannot continue to train doctors for the rest of the world. We have to train doctors for Nigeria or else very soon, we will have nobody to look after us.
“The situation is very bad at the moment and it needs urgent attention. We must act now,” Omoti added.
On workers’ welfare, the NMA president assured that his leadership would advocate improved rights, welfare packages and privileges for medical practitioners irrespective of cadre or location.
“We will advocate for the welfare, rights and privileges of doctors irrespective of their levels, cadre or location.
“We will also strive to improve the healthcare system in Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.
Earlier, the Edo State Chairman of the NMA, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, described Omoti’s emergence as National President of the association as a source of pride to the Edo branch.
Oseghale noted that it was a privilege for the state branch to produce the national president during his tenure as chairman.
