- CMDs warn of healthcare worker exodus over poor pay.
- Urge FG to improve salaries and working conditions.
- Call for funding to reduce “Japa syndrome.”
The Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of University Teaching Hospitals have called on the Federal Government to increase health workers’ salaries and improve working conditions to stem the ongoing migration of healthcare professionals to other countries.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that during the 2025 budget defence at the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions, CMDs, including Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo of Lagos University Teaching Hospital and Prof. Jesse Abiodun of University College Hospital, Ibadan, raised concerns over the alarming rate at which skilled healthcare workers are leaving tertiary hospitals.
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Prof. Adeyemo noted that while the government is investing in infrastructure and renovating facilities, poor remuneration remains a key factor driving professionals away.
“We’re losing doctors, nurses, and pharmacists every day because of the economy. Salaries need to increase to retain personnel,” he said, adding that Lagos institutions face additional challenges due to competition from state government hospitals and private facilities offering better pay.
Similarly, Dr. Pokup Bupwatda, CMD of Jos University Teaching Hospital, emphasized that financial incentives alone are not enough. He pointed out the need for a conducive working environment, access to modern equipment, and opportunities for healthcare workers to fully utilize their skills.
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“Good remuneration and proper tools for diagnosis and treatment are crucial for retaining workers. For instance, we need a modern CT scan at JUTH, but inflation has made it difficult to procure one even with government provisions,” Bupwatda explained.
The CMDs urged the Federal Government to prioritize health sector funding, provide special interventions, and improve recruitment processes to address staffing gaps and reduce the growing “Japa syndrome.”
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