Kwara Doctors Among Least Paid in Nigeria, Says NMA

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) in Kwara Chapter has warned that doctors in the region are among the lowest-paid in Nigeria. At a news conference, Chairman Dr Suleiman Rotimi highlighted issues such as inadequate manpower, poor welfare, overwhelming workloads, and unauthorized salary deductions affecting doctors. Rotimi pointed out that some general hospitals lack sufficient doctors, leading to long working hours and increased burnout risk for medical staff.

He lamented that doctors face deductions of between N30,000 and N50,000 from their monthly salaries, even with unpaid allowances and low remuneration. Rotimi urged the state government to address these problems urgently, emphasizing that Nigeria's doctor-to-patient ratio is one doctor for over 9,000 patients, significantly worse in certain parts of Kwara.

The WHO recommends a ratio of one doctor to 600 patients. The association has engaged the state government and other stakeholders in ongoing industrial disputes but remains open to dialogue. Rotimi called for enhanced mental health support, confidential medical services, safer work environments, and protection against violence for doctors, encouraging them to seek help without stigma.

He also advocated for the adoption of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and robotics to complement medical professionals. Rotimi urged the government to improve pay, working conditions, training, research opportunities, and infrastructure to combat the migration of Nigerian doctors abroad. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to create a healthcare system where doctors work in safe and dignified conditions while providing quality patient care.