Doctors in Nigeria have brought public hospitals to a standstill, embarking on an indefinite strike to demand an increase in their wages and improved working conditions.
Frustrated with the government’s failure to address their concerns, the doctors decided to take action at the end of a two-week ultimatum. The demands put forth by the striking doctors are not unreasonable. They are simply seeking the payment of outstanding exam fees and regular salaries, as well as a long-overdue review of their wages.
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The last time a salary review was implemented for doctors was way back in 2009, leaving medical professionals feeling undervalued and underpaid. This lack of proper remuneration has resulted in a worrying brain drain in the Nigerian health sector.
An alarming number of doctors, approximately 200 resident doctors every month since 2021, have been leaving the country to seek better opportunities abroad. This mass exodus of skilled medical professionals puts the nation’s health at risk and exacerbates the existing healthcare crisis.
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One of the resident doctors described the dire situation they face, stating that overworked doctors are emotionally and psychologically strained, which compromises patient care. With the current strike action, the already overburdened healthcare system is facing even greater challenges.
The consequences of this strike are felt deeply by the citizens, especially the economically vulnerable. Public hospitals have been the more affordable option for healthcare, but with rising inflation pushing more people into poverty, accessing medical services is becoming increasingly difficult.
The World Health Organization’s 2021 report indicates a shocking ratio of one doctor to 10,000 patients in Nigeria. However, due to the mass migration of doctors seeking better opportunities abroad, this ratio has further worsened, with now only two doctors left to care for 10,000 patients.
The situation has sparked concern and fear among the population, with patients expressing their distress about the lack of medical services during this critical period. The government is under immense pressure to address the demands of the doctors and find a lasting solution to prevent the complete collapse of the healthcare system.
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