…urges action to end migration of healthcare professionals

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) on Monday unveiled a new secretariat in Enugu state, lamenting that Nigeria has continued to experience one of the highest rates of migration of healthcare professionals globally.

It lamented that doctors, nurses and other health professionals have continued to leave the shores in search of better opportunities.

Enugu State Chairman of the NMA, Dr Sunday Okafor, stated that the consequences of the development was already impacting the health sector of the country

He said: ” This is worsening shortage of skilled manpower; increased workload on remaining personnel; longer waiting times; reduced quality of healthcare delivery; and avoidable morbidity and mortality”

The NMA therefore, called for coordinated action by governments, policymakers, professional bodies and development partners to end the challenge.

Okafor, who addressed a press conference, shortly after the unveiling of the new secretariat, stated that it’s realisation symbolises vision translated into reality, sacrifice rewarded, institutional growth, responsible leadership “and our collective determination to bequeath a stronger Association to succeeding generations of medical doctors in Enugu State”.

According to him, the Secretariat shall serve as the permanent administrative headquarters of the Association, a centre for professional development, policy engagement, advocacy, research, collaboration and service to humanity.

“It is a legacy that belongs not to one administration, but to every member of the Nigerian Medical Association in Enugu State”, he said

Okafor stated that the new secretariat was part of the promises made by his leadership to strengthen the institutional foundation of the Association.

“This achievement demonstrates what unity of purpose, prudent management of resources and collective commitment can accomplish”, he said

He also announced the 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the association, saying it would be used to review impacts made in the health sector by the Governor Peter Mbah administration in the past three years.

Speaking on the theme of the AGM, “Mitigating Health Workforce Migration in Nigeria: The Enugu State Experience”, he said it was apt in view of the transformations that had taken place in the health sector of the state.

He commended Governor Mbah for the support the association has received so far in the state.

Earlier, while dedicating the new secretariat, Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, RT Rev (Prof) Samuel Ike, commended the NMA for their strides in the state.

He urged that the secretariat be used to better the lots of the people and Enugu State in general.

Also, NMA Board of Trustees Chairman in the state, Emeritus Prof Sam Ohaegbulam, stated that he was elated that the state leadership could rally round to secure a new secretariat after they were evicted from their previous apartment.

He said with the apartment, nothing would stop the association from fulfilling its mandate in the state, while commending the executive for their services in the health sector.