.says Ogun needs at least 5,000 physicians

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State branch, has raised alarm over the increasing harassment, intimidation and physical assaults on doctors, warning that the trend is worsening the country’s brain drain crisis and threatening healthcare delivery.

Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Thursday, as part of activities marking the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM), the Chairman of the Ogun State chapter, Dr. Ogunjimi Luqman Opeoluwa, said the association chose the theme, “Protecting the Doctor, Caring for the Caregiver,” in response to the growing wave of attacks on medical practitioners across the State and Nigeria.

He said, healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to saving others deserve protection rather than violence.

“We chose this theme because of the continuous and sustained harassment and physical assaults directed at doctors in various centres across Ogun State and, indeed, Nigeria. These incidents have become increasingly rampant. Healthcare providers who devote their lives to caring for others urgently need greater protection. Their safety must be a priority,” he said.

Dr. Ogunjimi disclosed that Ogun State, with an estimated population of about nine million people, currently has only about 1,200 doctors serving in federal and state public health institutions.

According to him, the figure is grossly inadequate for the healthcare needs of the state’s growing population.

“We have only about 1,200 doctors serving a population of nine million people. That translates to roughly one doctor for every 7,500 residents. We are not where we should be, but those who remain have chosen to stay and serve their country despite enormous challenges.”

The NMA chairman said the state requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to provide effective healthcare services.

“If Ogun State had between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors, that would be a much better situation. Modern healthcare is multidisciplinary. A single patient may require the expertise of several specialists before recovery. That is why we need many more doctors.”

The association expressed concern over what it described as the increasing involvement of security agencies in matters relating to medical practice without first allowing professional regulatory processes to take their course.

Dr. Ogunjimi insisted that allegations of medical negligence should first be investigated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), which is statutorily empowered to examine professional misconduct.

“When a doctor is accused of professional negligence, there is a legally established body responsible for investigating such matters; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. What we object to is the growing trend of security agencies arresting and prosecuting doctors without following due process.”

He lamented that doctors, particularly those working in border communities such as Ota, Mowe and Ogijo, are frequently arrested following the death of patients without proper investigations into the circumstances surrounding the cases.

“Doctors should not be arrested simply because a patient dies. Medical diagnosis and treatment are continuous processes. Before concluding that negligence occurred, investigators should understand the patient’s medical history, the nature of the illness and the care provided.”

The NMA chairman revealed that the association had repeatedly accompanied doctors to police stations over matters that should ordinarily have been handled through established professional procedures.

He further disclosed that the association currently has three assault cases before the courts after insisting that perpetrators of attacks on healthcare workers be prosecuted.

Appealing to members of the public, Dr. Ogunjimi urged patients and their relatives to utilise existing complaint mechanisms within hospitals rather than resorting to violence.

He noted that hospitals have established channels, including SERVICOM units, to investigate complaints against healthcare workers.

“If anyone is dissatisfied with the care received, there are established complaint channels within our hospitals. Resorting to physical assault against doctors or other healthcare workers is completely unacceptable.”

He stressed that while doctors remain committed to providing quality medical care, they cannot guarantee every clinical outcome.

“We care deeply about our patients, but ultimately, healing comes from God. We are not God, and we cannot guarantee every outcome.”

The association acknowledged that the migration of doctors abroad remains a major concern but maintained that many medical practitioners have deliberately chosen to remain in Nigeria.

“Brain drain is a serious problem, but some of us have made a conscious decision to remain here and contribute our quota. What we are asking of government and the public is to take good care of those who have decided to stay.”

Dr. Ogunjimi appealed to government at all levels to prioritise the welfare of healthcare workers to encourage retention of skilled professionals.

Despite identifying several welfare gaps, the NMA commended the Ogun State government for implementing key financial incentives for doctors.

The chairman specifically praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for approving and commencing the payment of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) in line with the Federal Government structure, as well as the payment of the Specialist Allowance effective from July 2026.

He also acknowledged previous achievements secured through dialogue with the government, including payment of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), clinical duty allowances for honorary consultants at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, regular payment of accoutrement allowance and the Medical Residency Training Fund.

“One of the positive steps taken by the governor was the approval and implementation of the new allowance. While there are still significant gaps, we commend the government for the progress made and encourage it to do more.”

The NMA appealed to the State government to consider tax reforms for medical practitioners, particularly those in private practice.

According to the association, doctors currently face multiple taxation from different government agencies, creating unnecessary financial burdens.

“Private practitioners face the challenge of multiple taxation. Different agencies impose various levies. These taxes should be consolidated into a single unified payment system.”