The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners has urged the Nigerian government to implement urgent reforms to address the country’s struggling healthcare system. The association’s National Executive Council emphasized the need for a motivated medical workforce, citing its importance to national progress.
Beyond the pressing issue of brain drain, the council highlighted broader challenges threatening industrial harmony in the health sector, including insecurity, unsustainable workloads, and burnout. National President Dr. Anas Idris stated that the association acknowledges President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity, which is foundational to a thriving healthcare environment. However, the association called on the president to intensify efforts to ensure the entire nation is secured against all forms of attack and insecurity.
The association demanded the immediate implementation of a revised salary scale and retention allowances for doctors to boost morale and curb migration. It also called for the swift resolution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, describing it as critical to restoring trust and stability in the sector. Other demands included comprehensive insurance coverage for doctors to shield against rising occupational hazards like insecurity and workplace violence.
Dr. Idris explained that the restoration of security remains central to reversing the medical brain drain, stabilizing healthcare delivery, and enabling doctors to work in a secure nation. The association emphasized that a functional and motivated medical workforce is indispensable to national development and that resolving the Collective Bargaining Agreement is a critical step in restoring trust and stability in the health sector.
Nigeria’s health sector is characterized by persistent challenges, including a shortage of health workers due to poor remuneration, underfunding, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite ongoing government reform efforts, the sector continues to grapple with a severe brain drain of medical professionals, impacting health outcomes. The association remains open to partnership, dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve a sustainable, equitable, and resilient health system for all Nigerians.
The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the welfare and professional growth of government-employed doctors, seeking collaboration with stakeholders to build a resilient health system. The association’s calls for reform come as the country’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address these issues and ensure a functional and motivated medical workforce.
