Ondo doctors, health workers worst hit by brain drain in South-West: NMA

Doctors in Ondo state as well as health workers are the most affected by brain drain of medical professionals in the South-West, says the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Chairman of the Ondo chapter of the Association, Stella Adegbehingbe, said doctors and other healthcare professionals had been quitting the state in record numbers due to unfavourable working conditions.
Mrs Adegbehingbe stated this at a news conference to herald the Annual General Meeting of the association in Akure; lamenting that irregular payment of salary had been one of the major factors contributing to the brain drain issue.
“The issue of brain drain is something that is very massive and it is not only in Ondo State.
“Though, Ondo State is the worst in the South-West region and the national and the state body, we have been on it in engaging the government.
“We could recall that at the beginning of my assumption in office there were several strikes because of the issue of salary.
“And that was our appeal at the beginning that government should at least look for a way in addressing the health sector issues because once they start leaving it would be difficult to get them back.
“So, we have been engaging them, we wrote several letters and that has led to the exodus of doctors and they are still leaving and not only doctors alone, health workers generally.”
She said the only solution was the regular payment of salary.
“Colleagues are complaining bitterly, every morning I do receive calls on this and after they have made the complaints they will say ‘Chairman I can’t wait again, I’m leaving’ and that is the main cause,” she said.
Mrs Adegbehingbe said that doctors are turning down the state government offer of employment because of irregular payment of salary.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

World
China’s digital experience can drive BRICS economic transformation: Expert
He said China could contribute to BRICS’ digital transformation in three key areas: digital infrastructure, e-commerce platforms and innovation coordination.

World
Eight killed, 34 missing in China landslide
Chinese authorities said more than 1,000 residents were evacuated from the affected area.

Lagos
Lagos council chairman lauds community over voters’ awareness campaign
She said the committee’s efforts on registration, transfer, data correction and PVC validation support the administration’s drive to boost democratic participation in Ojokoro LCDA.

States
Uba Sani compensates residents over road projects
The governor inaugurated the distribution of cheques in Basawa, Sabon Gari Local Government Area, on Friday.

Lagos
Disengaged soldier arraigned for allegedly stealing motorcycle
The magistrate adjourned the case until August 13 for mention.






