The Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) has expressed deep concern over the escalating brain drain in the health sector, warning that it poses a direct threat to national health outcomes.
The society noted that if the trend is not urgently addressed, it could further weaken Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.
The concerns were raised at the society’s three-day conference in Lagos, themed: “Endocrinology in Nigeria: Advancing Care Amidst Brain Drain.” The event brought together endocrinologists, medical experts, and researchers to deliberate on solutions to the challenges facing endocrine healthcare delivery.
In his opening remarks, EMSON President Prof. Andrew Uloko said the theme underscores the urgent need to mitigate the impact of brain drain on healthcare delivery while ensuring that patients continue to receive high-quality care.
The Chief Medical Director of Modibo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Prof. Bakari Girei, who addressed participants virtually, highlighted the objectives and functions of endocrinology within the Nigerian health system, stressing its critical role in managing complex conditions.
The Special Guest of Honour, Dr Sonny Kuku, alongside other experts, assessed the extent of brain drain in endocrinology and its adverse effects on patient care. They regretted that the continuous migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals in search of better working conditions, competitive salaries, and advanced facilities abroad has left the country with a severe shortage of skilled specialists.
According to recent estimates, thousands of doctors, nurses, and specialists have left Nigeria in recent years, creating wide gaps in manpower needed to manage health services, including highly specialised care.
Experts at the conference stressed that endocrinology, a field already limited in workforce, is particularly vulnerable.
With the rising burden of diabetes, thyroid diseases, and hormonal disorders, the loss of trained endocrinologists poses a serious danger to national health outcomes.
Chairman of the Central Organising Committee, Dr Akinyele Akinlade, said the meeting serves as a call to action for the government to create more robust incentive schemes for healthcare professionals, strengthen training capacity, and improve infrastructure to curb the exodus of specialists.
