Opinions
Before Nigeria Begins To Import Doctors – Olabisi Deji-Folutile
Some things are happening in Nigeria now that we seem to ignore because of the frenzy and euphoria of political activities around us. The country is probably experiencing one of the worst brain-drain in its history, yet it seems nothing is amiss.
As usual, our leaders are not alarmed and the citizenry themselves appear unbothered by the humongous problem. The only thing that matters now is politics. While some are plotting to take over power at all levels of government, others are devising means of retaining it by all means. To make matters worse, some impoverished Nigerians don’t mind fighting and killing themselves for their oppressors to thrive.
The United Kingdom’s General Medical Council reportedly licensed fresh 91 Nigerian-trained doctors within 15 days in October 2022. This brought the total number of Nigerian-trained doctors in the UK to 10,387 as of October 25.
Note that this figure is for the UK alone. As serious as this issue is, it is not one of those kept on the front burner in our polity. Perhaps, the only people complaining are the medical doctors themselves. Unfortunately, nobody is interested in their lamentation.
According to the Nigerian Medical Association, there are 5,210 associate specialists, 2,318 doctors in training, 1,837 general practitioners, and 1,273 specialists among the 10,387 doctors that relocated to the UK in recent times.
Apart from doctors, other categories of health workers are said to have migrated. Nigeria currently has the third-highest number of foreign doctors working in the UK after India and Pakistan.
The National President of the Medical and Dental Consultant Association of Nigeria, Dr Victor Makanjuola, said over 500 consultants left the services of government hospitals for practice abroad in the last two years.
He explained that government hospitals are consultant-led practices in line with the global standard. Since those likely to leave are the younger ones, and those in their 50s, he is of the view that Nigeria should work on retaining both the young and the older consultants to prevent being left with a system without consultants.
On its part, the NMA has warned that at the rate Nigerian doctors are leaving the country, Nigeria may end up importing doctors in the future. Just as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) reminds us that six out of 10 doctors in Nigeria plan to leave the country.
Basically, the signs that Nigeria is heading for trouble are here for those who care to see. Already, the number of doctors writing postgraduate fellowship exams has fallen drastically.
During its last exam, only four of the centres of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) across the nation were used for the computer-based postgraduate fellowship examinations due to what was described as a “marked decline” in applications for the fellowship.
We have heard of cases where resident doctors billed to go on leave in public hospitals are asked to suspend their vacation due to severe shortage of manpower.
Those who patronise government hospitals can easily attest to the dwindling quality of care in these facilities. Not because the medical personnel are cruel, but because they are working under intense pressure.
I was at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital a few weeks back and I had a glimpse of what health care in Nigeria has become. Patients were practically rejected for lack of space.
At first, I thought lack of bed space meant no beds for patients only to later realise that there were actually bed spaces but the problem was inadequate manpower. In the female ward that I visited, I saw only two nurses on duty.
And if you think medical personnel should be interested in keeping their patients alive, that is obviously not the case here. You could see that these ones were too eager to see their patients, especially those with terminal illnesses, expire.
The level of care for such patients was almost zero. The few consultants available were overbooked. Many of them were always moving from one private hospital to the other.
Unfortunately, despite these glaring problems, those who should know in government are saying all is well. For example, our Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire believes Nigeria has enough medical doctors.
To him, the number of doctors leaving Nigeria is less than 1,000 and Nigeria produces up to 2,000 or 3,000 doctors every year. Obviously, he is not the only one living in this fool’s paradise. His predecessor in office Isaac Adewole said the same thing in 2018.
Shouldn’t a country be worried that a thousand out of 2000 or 3000 doctors it produces yearly are leaving its shores? Should we be exporting what we desperately need at home to countries that are far better than us?
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the quota for medicine, pharmacy and health sciences in all of Nigeria’s institutions is just 39,850. Out of this, only 33,671 were admitted in 2022.
Having a problem of shortage of medical personnel is bad enough, but denying that the problem exists is far worse.
If the data from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria as of May 30 this year is anything to go by, Nigeria is in trouble.
According to the body, out of the 88,692 doctors registered in their books, only 45,000 are currently practising, and that gives us a ratio of one doctor to 4,088 persons.
But, to Adewole, the ratio of one doctor to 4,088 patients in Nigeria is better when compared to other African countries. He said, “Compared to many other African countries, the ratio is not bad, for example, in South Africa, it is one (doctor) to 4,000; in Egypt, it is one to 1235; in Tanzania, it is 1: 14,000; in Ethiopia, it is one to 1 to 118,000, in Kenya, it is one to 16,000, and in Cameroon, it is one to 40,000.”
I don’t know why Nigerian leaders are always quick and happy to compare her with countries that are not doing well. Is it that Nigerians don’t deserve anything good? Why not compare Nigeria with countries that are thriving- countries with better health systems?
The United Nations and the WHO recommend one physician to 600 persons. Is there anything wrong in Nigeria aspiring to achieve this? Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, is boasting of having a doctor to over 4000 patients when there are indeed countries with a more doctors-patients ratio even in Africa.
Mauritius had 27 doctors to a population of 10,000 in 2020, Tunisia had 13 to 10,000 in 2017, Cape Verde had eight -10,000 in 2018, South Africa and Egypt, had seven each to 10,000 in 2019.
Gabon with its six doctors to 10,000 patients in 2018 had more doctors to attend to their population than Nigeria. Here, we have been told that four doctors attend to 10,000 Nigerians and as far as our leaders are concerned, that’s good.
Meanwhile, in 2019, Sweden had 70 doctors to 10,000 population, the Republic of Korea had 25, Brazil had 23, Argentina had 41, Belarus, 45, UAE, 26, UK, 29, China, 22, and Canada, 24.
As of 2020, Belgium had 61 doctors to the ratio of 10,000 population, Germany, 44, Hungary, 61, Israel, 36, Italy, 39, New Zealand, 36, and Saudi Arabia, 27. Denmark, 42, Costa Rica, 33 and the United States of America 26 in 2018.
Come to think of it. Why are the countries with better doctor-patient ratios taking the few ones in Nigeria away.
Could the parable of the poor giving out the little they have to the rich be playing out here? Nigeria is losing what it has because it does not value it and those countries that value what we don’t value are taking them away.
They are doing this intentionally because they know what it means to have a healthy society.
Nigeria has enough problems. Becoming a doctorless society would be stretching it too far. I doubt if Nigeria can ever afford to import doctors, so it’s better we don’t get to that point.
That is why the government should stem this tide before it becomes too late. We need our medical personnel here.
Meanwhile, here is a note of warning to those in government who think they are better off than the common Nigerians because they can take out of our common patrimony to access the best health care in the world – life happens. No one has control over their times of emergencies. Simply put, what goes around comes around!
By the way, I thought the general opinion is that Nigeria’s educational system is battered and useless, how come all these western countries keep coming here to take the medical personnel trained in our so-called “ramshackle” institutions?
Olabisi Deji-Folutile is the editor-in-chief of franktalknow.com and a director at af24news.com.
She is also a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. Email: bisideji@yahoo.co.uk
Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Mele Kyari has assured Nigerians that the Port Harcourt refinery will begin to deliver refined petroleum products in two weeks.
Addressing Journalists after meeting with the Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, APC, Anambra-South led Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Turnaround Maintenance of the country’s four refineries on Thursday, March 14, Kyari also disclosed that the Warri refinery is almost ready too. He added that the refinery in Kaduna would be completed and ready to go into production in December this year.
He said;
“The Completion mechanical means that you are done with your rehabilitation work, now you are to test if this completion is okay. As for Warri refinery, we have also completed the mechanical works on it and it is undergoing the regulatory compliance processes that we are doing with our regulator.
“This also will be completed and it will be ready. “Kaduna will be ready by December, We have not reached that stage (of Port Harcourt and Warri) with Kaduna.”
Kyari also said there are no challenges with the pipelines to deliver crude to the refineries as the existing lines are fully pressurised to deliver crude.
He said;
“All crude lines are active and have actually delivered over 450,000 barrels into Port Harcourt refinery. We are confident of the integrity of it. Yes, there may be security issues, but also the government is responding to the situation.”
I was at a colleague’s office in Finsbury’s Park, North London this week to train the staff on matters relating to anti money laundering’s ever evolving laws when the subject of Lagos and Nigeria came up.
I listened to every argument and happily enough, many of the contributors agreed that Lagos indeed is a city to watch and had nothing but praises for the masterminds of the current development of the modern city and with President Tinubu at the helms of affairs in Abuja, we can also expect some great transformation towards the country too.
Reno Omokri had these to say recently regarding the transformation of our country which has begun with Lagos about 25 years back: Isha Sessay is an American citizen who visits Nigeria often, and she praises our country to the high heavens because Nigeria’s healthcare saved her mother’s life. Time Out Magazine listed Lagos as better than Miami, Naples and Melbourne. (Some of) You have not been to these places, yet you are castigating Time Out as if you are better travelled than the 20,000 seasoned travellers they asked.
Are you aware that Lagos is now one of the world’s latest destinations for medical tourism? Please fact-check me. People from the United Kingdom and Europe, who have to contend with long waiting periods to see public healthcare professionals, are trooping to Lagos for inexpensive, IMMEDIATE treatment.
Let me add that our Stock Market is now the world’s most profitable bar none, and according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Nigeria is set to deliver a double-digit return on investment throughout 2024.
Governor Babajide Sanwoolu has just rolled out plans for an airline belonging to Lagos State to add to the incoming Lekki airport, the fourth mainland motorway, the rail systems covering not just the city but the whole state and beyond.
About 23 banks in the country are headquartered in Lagos and this tells you everything about those who watch over the city, those who labour day and night to make sure the city is free and secure to live and work. Those who selflessly plan for the progress of the city and her residents.
It is on this note I feel indignant listening to the provocative ranting of Senator Ali Ndume on the issue of moving some departments of the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to Lagos for easy administration.
How could Ndume come on national television to threaten fire and brimstone against the President so brazenly and with such impunity on a matter of mere administrative rather than political significance?
Who does he think he is to single out and address people from Lagos that work with the President in such a condescending manner? Look at the haughty manner in which he carried himself on national television insulting and attacking people he believes are less Nigerian than he and members of the self – conceited interest group he represents.
One of the first actions taken by OBJ after he assumed office in 1999 was to reverse the daft decision that moved the Hq of NPA from Marina to Abuja, which was taken by the Abacha administration. That was how SHIP HOUSE, Abuja was taken over by Ministry of Defence and the NPA Hq moved back to Lagos. Nigeria Railway Corporation also had its headquarters moved back to Railway Compound, Ebute Metta from Abuja by OBJ. When those decisions were taken the North cried foul but the world did not come to an end as OBJ stuck to his guns. I hope President Tinubu would stand his grounds on the decision that the Banking Supervision Department of the CBN and headquarters of FAAN be moved to Lagos. This is a test of wills and he must not back down.
We are copying the Presidential system of government from the US which literally allows the other components of the system to function along the central body or axis. In the US and the UK, strategic considerations determine where the headquarters of government agencies are located. When the need is compelling for some to be located outside the capital the headquarters is sited away from Washington or London. Abuja remains the capital but Lagos is strategically placed with all the amazing amenities being built by the government of the state to offer more opportunities to the nation.
Whichever way, Lagos continues to thrive and attract the best talents from all over the world and it will so greatly remain no matter the threat from her haters.
Unfortunately, no one can drag the lagoon or ocean from their God’s given abodes no matter how they try through their wicked devises and desires.
Lagos remains unshakable and will host many more departments thrown at it through the wisdom of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr George Ogunjimi, the Bamofin of Ojo kingdom, Lagos writes from Goffs Oak. Hertfordshire, UK.
– praises President Tinubu for achievements in 100 days
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly have celebrated with the First Lady of the Federal Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on her 63rd birthday.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, who directed the Clerk of the House to transmit a letter congratulating the First Lady on behalf of the Assembly, described Oluremi as a wonderful woman whose doors are always open to Nigerians in need.
“As a former First Lady of Lagos State, she continued and upgraded the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, COWLSO, which is today appreciated far and wide.
“Her New Era Foundation lifted thousands of people, including widows, promoted and encouraged educational empowerment through the Spelling Bee competition that have produced many ‘One-Day Governors’ in the State.
“As Senator, she stood for Lagos in many capacities making the State proud of her.
“As the First Lady of Nigeria, she has continued with her strides for the well-being of others with unquantifiable compassion and zeal to help the less privileged, the challenged and those in need. She is doing this successfully through her Renewed Hope Initiative,” Dr. Obasa said adding that her philanthropic gestures have helped to build hope and motivated people.
He prayed for long life and health for the First Lady and her family.
Earlier, Hon. Omolara Olumegbon, who raised this on the floor of the House, appreciated Senator Oluremi for her achievements while she was First Lady of Lagos and in her capacity as the Grand Patron of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO).
Hon. Olumegbon also recalled how the First Lady touched lives while she served as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She described the First Lady as a mother, philanthropist, politician and patriotic Nigerian.
While Hon. Joseph Kehinde extolled her as a woman who loves widows and children, Hon. Olotu Emmanuel commended her for always helping people.
Hon. Mosunmola Sangodara described Senator Oluremi Tinubu as a woman of strength who is also God-fearing.
According to her, the First Lady is “a humble person who respects people irrespective of their ages. She is a woman to emulate for the support she has always given President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Meanwhile, the House also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his achievements in the last 100 days in office while urging for equitable distribution of palliatives in the form of social amenities across the country.
The lawmakers expressed satisfaction with the President’s effort to ensure the economy is stabilised despite the removal of subsidy.
“When people are appreciated, they tend to do more and in the case of Mr. President, there have been changes in all sectors of the country.
“The country is witnessing the achievements of President Tinubu. We also need to ensure that people who are in need of the palliative enjoy it the most in terms of more input in transportation, health, agriculture, and education,” Speaker Obasa said.
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