By Tolu Oguntimehin

TheNigeria Medical Association (NMA) has raised a red flag, warning of an impending Human Resource for Health (HRH) crisis if the current trend of Medical and Dental Practitioners migrating overseas, the so-called "Jappa syndrome," is not promptly addressed. This concern emerged from the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the WACP Conference Centre and Suites, Gaduwa, Abuja, from December 10th to 17th, 2023.

During the meeting, the NEC acknowledged the Federal Government's proposal, led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR, to allocate 5% of the total 2024 budget to health. While this marks an improvement, the NEC emphasized that it falls short of the 15% benchmark set by the Abuja declaration of 2001. The slow progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Nigeria was attributed to demographic shifts, changes in disease burden, reduced development assistance for health, and inadequate domestic health finance.

The NEC found the current situation unacceptable, with 75-80% of Nigerians paying out-of-pocket for medical expenses. Health Insurance was highlighted as a key solution to ensuring accessible, affordable, and sustainable healthcare delivery for Nigerians.

Expressing great concern, the NEC noted that healthcare workers, despite their efforts, were being violently assaulted and kidnapped at their workplaces. The NEC criticized the government's inability to address security lapses, including incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and extrajudicial killings of Nigerians.

In reviewing progress, the NEC commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for interventions improving salaries and allowances for healthcare workers. The NEC also expressed displeasure over the non-implementation of the Revised CONMESS circular and Accoutrement allowance by the Federal Government since July 2023, despite numerous reminders.

The NEC raised alarms about the devaluation of the Naira and the departure of major pharmaceutical companies from Nigeria, leading to drug shortages, soaring drug prices, increased unemployment, and rising inflation. This exodus poses significant concerns about access to essential medicines for millions of Nigerians.

The National Executive Council meeting was preceded by a series of humanitarian, social, and advocacy-oriented activities, including the 5th Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh Memorial Free Medical Outreach to Jahi Community, a low-income residential area in Abuja. The outreach provided free medical consultations, surgical consultations, dental, and ophthalmological services to 301 patients with various medical conditions.

In addition to the medical outreach, there were media engagements focusing on the conference theme. The council conducted courtesy visits to several dignitaries, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman OON SAN; Minister of State for Education, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Yusuf Tanko Sununu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni; and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Niger Delta, Dr. Shuaibu M.L Belgore

Notable attendees included the Immediate Past President of the World Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, Past Presidents of NMA, Past Secretaries-General of the Association, and Chairmen of all NMA State/FCT Branches. The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, Abuja, Prof. Saad A. Ahmed, delivered the Keynote Lecture, and various personalities within and outside the Federal Capital Territory were also present.