No doctor should earn below N1m monthly — OOUTH ARD

The President of Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, Dr Micheal Ogunmefun, the General Secretary of OACHS Medical Alumni Association of Olabisi Onabanjo University and the newly inducted medical graduates into the association. Credit: Taiwo Bankole

The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has described the state of Nigeria’s health sector as appalling and called on both the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the sector to improve healthcare delivery. Omotoso also decried the poor remuneration of health workers, saying that given the country’s economic realities, no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million per month. He explained that poor conditions of service, particularly inadequate remuneration, have been a major factor driving the mass migration of health workers abroad in search of better opportunities, resulting in an acute shortage of medical personnel and adversely affecting healthcare services nationwide. Omotoso added that it was time for the federal and state governments to stop politicians from seeking medical treatment abroad, arguing that such a policy would compel public officeholders to prioritise funding and the development of local hospitals, thereby improving healthcare services for Nigerians. The family medicine specialist disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists during the 32nd induction ceremony of newly graduated medical students into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Omotoso said, “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. “I strongly recommend that the government should declare a state of emergency in the health sector. This is quite important. One of the most radical steps that can be taken is to implement a policy that will stop politicians and public officeholders from going outside the country to seek medical attention. “If that is done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into. But when those who determine hospital funding are not even patronising hospitals within the country, the problem continues and lingers. This is the starting point for us to redeem the image of medical practice in the country. Related News Osun begins distribution of 2.8 million mosquito nets to fig