The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving and commencing the payment of the professional allowance table (PAT) and specialist allowance for medical doctors.

The state Chairman, Luqman Ogunjimi, stated this at a news conference heralding the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association in Abeokuta on Thursday.

Mr Ogunjimi described the approval as a demonstration of Mr Abiodun’s commitment to improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.

He said the implementation of the professional allowance table followed the approved federal government structure, while the specialist allowance took effect from July.

According to him, the development will boost the morale of medical practitioners and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare services to residents of the state.

He expressed appreciation to Mr Abiodun for what he described as responsive and worker-friendly leadership in addressing the welfare of medical doctors.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to sustaining a cordial working relationship with the government in addressing other welfare issues and advancing healthcare services across the state.

He, however, raised fresh concerns over the shortage of medical doctors in the state.

He said only about 1,200 doctors were currently serving an estimated population of nine million people in the state.

“This goes to show that there is currently a ratio of one doctor to about 7,500 residents in the state. Notwithstanding this shortage, the few doctors that have also decided to stay behind and shun the temptation of emigrating abroad are daily faced with unwarranted attacks.

“If you have an estimated population of about nine million in Ogun State and we have only 1,200 doctors working in the state, you know this is a far cry. The 1,200 doctors remaining have decided to stay back to give back to their country.

“It is important for the government and the public to prioritise the welfare of healthcare workers who remained in the state despite the manpower shortage,” he said.

The NMA chairman estimated that the state required between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to provide adequate healthcare services.

“If we have between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors in Ogun State, it will not be too bad. But those 1,200 doctors who are still here are trying their best,” Mr Ogunjimi said.

(NAN)