Medical experts have raised concerns over a worsening healthcare workforce crisis in Nigeria, warning that the country currently has only about 55,000 actively practicing doctors serving a population of more than 220 million people. The concerns were highlighted during a conference in Lagos, where stakeholders examined the growing impact of healthcare worker shortages on service delivery nationwide.
According to the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Omoti Ernest, while more than 130,000 doctors have been registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, only around 55,000 remain actively engaged in medical practice within the country. He noted that the gap has been largely driven by the continued migration of healthcare professionals to foreign countries.
The experts disclosed that more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five years in search of better employment opportunities, improved remuneration, and more favourable working environments. They described the trend as a major threat to the sustainability of the nation’s healthcare system.
Prof. Ernest explained that the shortage has left Nigeria with an estimated doctor-to-patient ratio of one doctor for every 3,600 to 4,000 people. This falls significantly below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 people, underscoring the scale of the healthcare workforce deficit facing the country.
Healthcare professionals at the conference said the ongoing brain drain has resulted in severe staffing shortages across hospitals and clinics, placing enormous pressure on the remaining workforce. They noted that the situation has led to increased workloads, longer waiting times for patients, and a decline in the quality of care, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Mental health specialists also expressed concern over the impact on psychiatric services, revealing that fewer than 150 psychiatrists are currently available to cater to millions of Nigerians. The experts attributed the migration trend to poor salaries, inadequate working conditions, insecurity, limited career advancement opportunities, and insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure. They called on the government to improve welfare packages, upgrade medical facilities, and implement incentives aimed at retaining healthcare professionals within the country.
Elijah Adeyemi
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