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The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Oyo State, Dr. Happy Adedapo, has urged the government to provide more incentives for doctors and health workers to mitigate the ongoing “japa” syndrome, a term used to describe the emigration of skilled professionals from Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, Dr. Adedapo emphasized that better remuneration and working conditions could significantly reduce the exodus of health workers.
“It is imperative for the government to offer car loans and other incentives to doctors as a means of retaining them in the system,” he said. “We appeal to Governor Makinde to implement the adjusted Consolidated Medical Salary Scales (CONMESS) as done by the Federal Government and to ensure the payment of the medical residency training fund to doctors in the state.”
Dr. Adedapo also called for the inclusion of state health workers in the recently approved wage awards, noting that such measures would boost morale and reduce the desire to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad.
“The japa syndrome should be minimized to the barest level. Offering soft car loans and similar incentives can make doctors more comfortable and committed to staying within the country,” he stated.
Highlighting the need for collaboration, Dr. Adedapo urged health workers and stakeholders to prioritize synergy to enhance healthcare delivery in Oyo State and Nigeria in 2025.
“Oyo NMA remains committed to working with the state government to achieve collective goals. However, challenges such as poor remuneration, manpower shortages, and unreliable power supply must be addressed to achieve significant progress,” he said.
The chairman also reiterated the association’s dedication to combating quackery in the state, acknowledging their role in reporting such activities to relevant authorities.
Despite the hurdles, Dr. Adedapo expressed gratitude to health workers for their resilience in sustaining the healthcare system. “Even with the challenges, our health workers continue to give their best to ensure the system does not collapse,” he added.
He concluded by encouraging healthcare professionals to maintain their commitment to patient care while trusting the government to deliver better working conditions in 2025.
