The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State chapter, has raised the alarm over the acute shortage of medical doctors in the service of the state government.

The association revealed that only about 1,200 medical doctors are serving an estimated population of nine million residents in the state.

The state chairman of the NMA, Dr Ogunjimi Luqman Opeoluwa, disclosed this while addressing journalists at a press conference held on Thursday in Abeokuta as part of activities marking the 2026 NMA Annual Scientific Conference.

Speaking on the theme, “Protecting Healthcare Providers: Addressing Violence Against Doctors and Strengthening a Safe Healthcare System,” Dr Ogunjimi described the growing brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector as a major challenge but praised doctors who have chosen to remain in the country despite difficult working conditions.

He explained that the doctor-to-patient ratio in Ogun State remains far below global standards, with each doctor effectively serving thousands of residents.

The NMA chairman appealed to the Ogun State Government to further improve the welfare of healthcare workers.

Dr Ogunjimi noted that better remuneration and improved working conditions would help reduce the migration of medical professionals abroad.

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While acknowledging existing gaps in the healthcare sector, Dr Ogunjimi commended Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration for implementing the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) for specialist doctors and for ongoing improvements in primary healthcare facilities across the state.

He also praised the roles played by the Secretary to the State Government and the Head of Service in ensuring successful negotiations that led to the payment of the allowance.

The association also urged the state government to address the challenge of multiple taxation affecting private hospitals by harmonising levies imposed by different government agencies.

The NMA chairman said private healthcare providers are burdened by several taxes and regulatory charges from different agencies, including environmental, advertising and other statutory levies.

He therefore called for a unified tax system to ease the financial burden on hospital owners.

“Out of an estimated population of nine million people in Ogun State, we have just about 1,200 doctors. Those who have remained have decided to sacrifice and serve their country despite the challenges. Government and the public must support and protect them.

“We commend the government for paying the Professional Allowance Table for specialist doctors. It may not be everything we requested, but it is a significant step in the right direction. We encourage the government to address the remaining issues.

“We want government to look at the issue of tax, to grant some tax exemptions, and for our doctors in private hospitals. The issue of double taxation has been ongoing, and we want the government to look into it so that all the taxes they pay can be unified,” he said.

The association also lamented the incessant intimidation and harassment of doctors at the hands of security agencies, especially in border communities such as Ota, Mowe and Ogijo.

He explained that medical practitioners are often arrested following patient deaths without proper investigation, insisting that allegations of medical negligence should first be handled by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), the statutory body responsible for investigating and disciplining medical practitioners.

Dr Ogunjimi further disclosed that the association had repeatedly intervened to secure the release of doctors detained by law enforcement agencies over clinical cases, describing such actions as one of the factors contributing to the migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria.

The NMA chairman also condemned the rising cases of violence against doctors and other healthcare workers by patients and their relatives.

According to him, doctors are increasingly being assaulted while rendering medical services despite working under enormous pressure caused by inadequate manpower.

He urged members of the public to utilise established complaint channels such as SERVICOM and hospital management instead of resorting to physical attacks whenever they are dissatisfied with healthcare services.

Dr Ogunjimi revealed that the association is currently prosecuting about three assault cases involving attacks on doctors and vowed that offenders would face the full weight of the law.

He also announced plans by the association to intensify public enlightenment campaigns through radio, print and social media to educate residents on appropriate conduct in healthcare facilities and strengthen trust between healthcare providers and patients.

“It is unacceptable for doctors to be arrested while carrying out their professional duties without following due process. Medical negligence complaints should be investigated by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, not through arbitrary arrests.

“We are not God; we do our best to provide quality healthcare, but it is God who heals. Assaulting healthcare workers is unacceptable. If anyone has a complaint, there are appropriate channels for seeking redress,” he said.

Reiterating the association’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, the NMA chairman said the body would continue to partner with the Ogun State Government in formulating policies that would strengthen the state’s health sector.

He stressed that Ogun State requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to adequately meet the healthcare needs of its growing population, noting that the current workforce remains grossly inadequate.

Ogunjimi, however, assured residents that doctors in Ogun State remain committed to serving the people and contributing their quota to national development.