The Nigerian Medical Association has warned that the brain drain in the health sector may someday force Nigeria to import medical doctors.
Dr. Ayotunde Fasunla, NMA Chairman of Oyo State, stated that the poor state of government-owned hospitals in the country was largely due to poor funding, citing the budgetary allocation to the health sector in 2022 was approximately 4.2% of the national budget, which he said is below the recommended African Union (AU) threshold at the Abuja Declaration of a minimum of 15%.
The infrastructure deficit is such that some of our hospitals spend a significant amount of their internally generated revenues on diesel to ensure power supply. There is a scarcity of funds to apply for equipment upgrades, manpower development, or even recruitment of new staff. Therefore, I call on well-meaning Nigerians, philanthropists, and nongovernmental organizations to join hands with the government to improve the conditions of the health system in the nation, especially in Oyo state. It is obvious that the government cannot handle it alone.”
