Obasanjo: ‘Japa’ syndrome harming Nigeria’s healthcare system
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has voiced concerns about the alarming migration of medical doctors from Nigeria.
He urged government officials to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers to combat brain drain and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.
Obasanjo spoke on Thursday at the 44th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The event took place at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
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Delivering his lecture themed “Evolving Roles of Doctors in Healthcare Management and Nation Building,” the former president, represented by the FMC’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, lamented that the current economic crisis has driven health practitioners to seek greener pastures outside the country.
Obasanjo stated: “Resident doctors constitute the bedrock of the medical services any country offers its citizens, and Nigeria is no exception. It is therefore essential for governments at all levels to ensure that there are good welfare packages for doctors, without whom it will be impossible to provide meaningful service.
“Having seen the amount of work resident doctors do in our hospitals, I appeal that we prioritize their welfare. The rate at which ‘Japa’ syndrome is affecting our health sector is alarming; many of our subspecialties are now under lock and key. We can’t operate in these areas anymore because the specialists have left the country.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun appreciated the doctors for their contributions to society despite the challenging environment. Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, he urged doctors to protect the environment, pointing out that 30% of global environmental problems are caused by medical waste.
“We doctors need to start paying attention to the environment. According to statistics I heard last week, healthcare waste and activities contribute to 30% of environmental challenges worldwide. If we don’t start doing something about the environment, what planet are we leaving for our children? We must think about our waste: how can we recycle it, and how can we innovate in our practices?” he said.
Speaking earlier, the president of the association, Dele Olaitan, argued that doctors are the backbone of the healthcare system, urging his colleagues to strive for the highest standards of medical service for their patients.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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