The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Dr. John Omotoso, has urged the Federal Government and state governments to ensure that no medical doctor in Nigeria earns less than ₦1 million monthly, citing the country’s worsening healthcare challenges and the increasing migration of health professionals abroad.
- ARD President Dr. John Omotoso says doctors should earn at least ₦1 million monthly to improve retention in Nigeria’s health sector.
- He also called for a state of emergency in the healthcare system and proposed restrictions on overseas medical treatment for public officeholders.
Speaking during the 32nd induction ceremony of newly graduated medical students into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Omotoso expressed concern over the declining state of healthcare delivery across the country.
According to the ARD President, poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, challenging working conditions, and a shortage of healthcare personnel have continued to place enormous pressure on Nigeria’s health sector.
He warned that unless urgent measures are taken, the country could witness an even greater exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities overseas.
Omotoso noted that many doctors are increasingly choosing to leave Nigeria because the profession has become less attractive under current economic realities.
He stressed that improving salaries and working conditions would be a significant step toward retaining skilled healthcare workers and strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
“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,” he said.
The ARD President further called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the health sector, arguing that such a move would help accelerate reforms and attract the investments needed to improve hospitals, medical equipment, and healthcare services nationwide.
He also proposed a controversial but far-reaching policy that would prevent politicians and public officeholders from seeking medical treatment abroad.
According to him, requiring government officials to use local healthcare facilities would encourage greater investment in Nigerian hospitals and increase accountability in the sector.
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Omotoso argued that if leaders depend on the same healthcare system as ordinary citizens, there would be stronger motivation to address longstanding issues affecting hospitals and healthcare institutions.
His remarks come at a time when concerns over the migration of Nigerian doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals continue to dominate discussions within the medical community.
Industry stakeholders have repeatedly warned that the loss of experienced professionals is creating staffing shortages and increasing pressure on those who remain in the country.
Despite the challenges facing the sector, the induction ceremony celebrated the entry of 71 newly graduated medical doctors into the profession. The graduates were encouraged to uphold the ethics of medical practice and contribute meaningfully to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The call by the ARD President has added to growing demands for comprehensive reforms aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure, enhancing workers’ welfare, and ensuring that quality medical services remain accessible to Nigerians across the country.
As discussions on healthcare reform continue, stakeholders say addressing doctors’ welfare and investing in modern healthcare facilities could play a crucial role in reversing the trend of medical brain drain and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
