The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that the ongoing brain drain of medical professionals will persist unless the government addresses the inadequate and unattractive incentives for doctors nationwide.

Tope Osundara, NARD’s president, made the remarks on Saturday in Calabar during a press conference marking the conclusion of the association’s July 2025 National Executive Council Meeting.

The weeklong event, hosted by the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) from July 21 to 26, included courtesy visits to Governor Bassey Otu, the Obong of Calabar, and a local orphanage.

Mr Osundara lamented the government’s failure to prioritise the welfare of doctors, urging federal and state authorities to urgently review and improve incentives to curb the mass emigration of health workers.

He emphasised the Health Workforce Policy of Nigeria, published by the Coordinating Minister of Health, Mohammad Pate, which highlighted incentives as a key thematic area.

“If incentives remain inadequate, uncompetitive, and unattractive, the emigration of doctors from Nigeria will not stop.

“This is a wake-up call to all levels of government to address the nation’s healthcare challenges and reduce the ‘japa’ syndrome,” Mr Osundara said.

He also highlighted the dire state of health infrastructure, noting widespread facility shortages and dilapidation.

“According to the Abuja Declaration of 2001, at least 15 per cent of Nigeria’s budget should be allocated to healthcare.

“Yet, current healthcare funding remains below six per cent,” he said.

Mr Osundara further stressed the importance of political leaders patronising local health facilities to boost public confidence.

“Ending medical tourism is crucial because the funds Nigerians spend abroad could significantly develop our health sector,” he added.

He cautioned that politicians’ refusal to use local health facilities sent a signal that the services provided to the general public were inadequate.

(NAN)