The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
According to him, the country’s health system is in a troubling state and requires immediate government intervention. Consequently, he urged both the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the sector.
Omotoso also criticised the poor remuneration of health workers. He argued that no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million monthly under the current economic realities.
The family medicine specialist spoke on Monday during the 32nd induction ceremony of newly graduated medical students into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
Poor Pay Fuelling Brain Drain
Speaking on the challenges facing the profession, Omotoso said the continuous migration of health workers abroad has worsened the manpower shortage in Nigerian hospitals.
He noted that many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities. As a result, healthcare delivery has suffered across many public health facilities.
Recent studies have similarly identified poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, and unfavourable working conditions as major factors driving physician emigration from Nigeria. These challenges have continued to weaken the country’s healthcare workforce.
Omotoso said: “The truth is that practising medicine in the country is no longer appealing and encouraging, and the faster the government moves to address this challenge, the better for all of us.
“I strongly recommend that the government should declare a state of emergency in the health sector. This is quite important. One of the most radical steps that can be taken is to implement a policy that will stop politicians and public officeholders from going outside the country to seek medical attention.
“If that is done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into. But when those who determine hospital funding are not even patronising hospitals within the country, the problem continues and lingers. This is the starting point for us to redeem the image of medical practice in the country.”
Stop Medical Tourism by Public Officeholders
Furthermore, Omotoso argued that restricting foreign medical trips for politicians would encourage greater investment in local hospitals.
According to him, decision-makers are less likely to prioritise healthcare funding when they depend on foreign hospitals for treatment. He maintained that improved funding would help modernise public health facilities and restore confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
In addition, he stressed the need for better welfare packages for healthcare workers.
“While that is being done, I will also challenge the government to ensure that human resources — doctors, nurses and other health workers — are adequately remunerated, just as politicians are. If that is done, you will see many of our colleagues outside the country returning home.
“Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million per month. An average politician even takes this amount as an allowance. The government must always understand that poorly motivated employees may not give their very best.”
Entry-Level Doctors Earn N250,000 to N300,000
Omotoso disclosed that entry-level medical doctors currently earn between N250,000 and N300,000 monthly. He therefore called for an urgent salary review to reflect the country’s rising cost of living and inflationary pressures.
According to him, improving welfare would not only boost morale but also help retain skilled professionals within the country.
Available data show that Nigeria continues to grapple with health workforce shortages, while thousands of trained medical professionals have left the country over the years in search of better working conditions abroad.
Graduates Urged to Embrace Technology and Mentorship
Addressing the newly inducted doctors, Omotoso encouraged them to carefully define their career paths and remain committed to professional growth.
He also urged them to embrace emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, which is increasingly transforming medical practice worldwide.
Beyond professional development, he advised the graduates to contribute positively to society and support the advancement of their alma mater.
Meanwhile, the immediate past ARD President of OOUTH, Dr Olusola Monehin, charged the graduates to uphold the core values of the medical profession.
Speaking on the theme, “The Road Ahead: Connecting Today’s Graduate with Tomorrow’s Legacy,” Monehin urged them to serve with compassion, maintain integrity, embrace innovation, and adhere to professional ethics.
He further emphasised the value of mentorship, noting that timely guidance could shape careers and help young doctors navigate future challenges.
According to him, a single conversation with a mentor could become a lifeline during critical moments in professional practice.