The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) is working on setting a minimum salary benchmark for doctors to address disparities in pay across the public and private sectors, including state and federal institutions. NMA President Prof. Bala Audu highlighted this during the third National Health Summit in Abuja, emphasizing the move’s aim to curb the mass migration of doctors, commonly referred to as the “japa” syndrome.
Prof. Audu explained that the initiative would ensure that all licensed doctors, regardless of their employment sector, receive a standardized minimum salary. This measure is expected to stabilize the health workforce and reduce internal brain drain, where doctors leave less lucrative roles in local and state hospitals for federal institutions.
Additionally, the summit emphasized the need for comprehensive emergency training for all doctors and enhancing clinical governance in hospitals. It also discussed strategic plans to foster partnerships with diaspora doctors and international organizations, leveraging resources for the nation’s healthcare development.
The association also resolved to strengthen collaborations with hospital leadership and urged training in pharmacovigilance through platforms like the Med Safety App. A five-year strategic plan is also underway to further the NMA’s goals of improving healthcare delivery nationwide.
