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The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Jigawa state chapter, has raised concerns over the severe shortage of medical doctors in the state, attributing the issue primarily to low remuneration. Dr. Umar Abdulbaseed, the chairman of the NMA in Jigawa state, disclosed this to journalists in Dutse.
According to Dr. Abdulbaseed, Jigawa state, with a population of over 7 million, has only 300 doctors, resulting in a ratio of one doctor to 50,000 people. This falls far short of the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of one doctor to 600 people.
The NMA chairman stated that low remuneration for doctors has triggered an exodus of medical professionals from Jigawa state to federal hospitals, where salaries are twice as high. He warned that without better working conditions and competitive salaries, attracting and retaining qualified medical personnel will be challenging, ultimately affecting patient care.
To address this issue, the NMA is advocating for several measures:
1. Uniformity in Doctors’ Remuneration: Matching state doctors’ salaries with those of federal government health workers.
2. Establishment of a Hospital Management Board: This would streamline hospital administration and improve service delivery.
3. Domestication of the Medical Residency Training Fund Act: This would provide financial support for resident doctors undergoing specialist training.
Dr. Abdulbaseed emphasized that the current situation is unsustainable and could have severe consequences for the healthcare system in Jigawa state. He urged the state government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by the NMA and work towards creating a more attractive and rewarding environment for medical professionals.
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