Lagos struggling with doctor shortage as medical professionals ‘japa’ — NMA

Lagos State is grappling with a severe shortage of medical professionals, with only 8,200 doctors available to serve a population exceeding 20 million, far below the estimated 30,000 required.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has attributed the crisis to the ongoing mass migration of healthcare workers, commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome.”

NMA Chairman, Dr. Babajide Saheed, highlighted the scale of the problem, noting that the departure of doctors from Nigeria continues at an alarming rate. “We are losing doctors at an alarming rate,” he said. “Nobody can give an exact figure because the number is always fluctuating.”

The exodus of medical personnel has led to severe strain on the state’s healthcare infrastructure, resulting in long wait times, overstretched hospitals, and a decline in service delivery.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, acknowledged the crisis, stating that the shortage extends beyond doctors to include nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. In response, the state government has launched an initiative to expand medical education and increase the number of trained professionals.

Speaking at the handover of key medical infrastructure to contractors for conversion into academic facilities, Abayomi said the state aims to boost student admissions from 200 to 2,500 annually over the next five years.

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“The expansion is part of a broader strategy approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to mitigate the crisis,” he explained. “Our goal is to train more healthcare professionals to bridge the gap.”

However, the NMA has raised concerns over the government’s approach, particularly the decision to repurpose medical facilities instead of investing in specialized healthcare services.

Dr. Saheed criticized the move, saying, “Instead of reducing medical tourism, we are making it worse by converting renal and cardiac centres into offices. These facilities should be upgraded, not downgraded.”

The shortage of medical professionals is not unique to Lagos but reflects a broader national healthcare crisis. Over the past decade, thousands of Nigerian doctors have migrated to countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States in search of better working conditions, career growth, and higher pay.

Health sector analysts warn that unless urgent measures—such as improved salaries, better working conditions, and incentives—are introduced to retain healthcare workers, the crisis could deepen, leading to further deterioration of Nigeria’s healthcare system and increased medical tourism.