NMA urges standardised pay to curb medical brain drain

The President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, has called for the consistent implementation of the consolidated medical salary structure across all 36 states as the National Physicians’ Week begins in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Audu noted the mass exodus of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities as a systemic issue rather than an individual choice, stressing the need for a fair and competitive salary structure for medical professionals across Nigeria.

Discussing the theme for this year’s event, “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” he remarked that current salary disparities are creating an unsustainable and uncompetitive environment.

He said: “This mass exodus, known as ‘brain drain,’ is not merely a symptom of individual decisions; it is a consequence of a system that fails to offer fair compensation and career fulfilment. Fair remuneration is more than just a salary figure; it is a recognition of our value, a motivator for excellence, and a safeguard against burnout.

“Unfortunately, despite the strides we have made, healthcare workers in Nigeria face a host of financial disparities. Pay structures vary widely depending on location, institution, and cadre, creating a fragmented remuneration system that is neither sustainable nor competitive on a global scale.”

Audu further stressed that many doctors and health workers are “overworked and underpaid,” with inconsistent salaries not only across the country but also within similar healthcare institutions.

He said, “These disparities discourage young and talented healthcare professionals from entering or staying in the workforce, ultimately exacerbating the burden on those who remain.”

The NMA president urged all levels of government to implement a standardised salary structure, saying, “We, therefore, urge all levels of government to ensure the uniform implementation of our salary structure, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), across all states and healthcare levels.”

Audu also noted the need for prompt payment of outstanding salary arrears and investment in health infrastructure to improve working conditions.

He said, “The government must invest in our health infrastructure, improve working conditions for health workers, and prioritise health in our national agenda.”

He concluded by noting that countries worldwide recognise the importance of fair compensation and invest in competitive salary packages to retain healthcare talent. Urging Nigeria’s government to do the same, he added, “Nigeria cannot expect to compete for talent unless it prioritises and makes remuneration fair, transparent, and universally applicable.”