Kwara State is grappling with a growing healthcare crisis as the number of medical doctors in its government hospitals continues to dwindle due to the persistent “Japa” trend—Nigeria’s wave of professional emigration.
This was revealed by the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Abdulrahman Malik, during the state’s first quarter interministerial press briefing held on Tuesday, April 29.
According to Dr. Malik, although the state requires between 180 to 200 doctors to efficiently serve its population, only 89 doctors are currently on the government’s payroll.
He noted that the number had recently increased from 86 following the return of three doctors, who rejoined the service after the government approved a new and improved salary structure aimed at matching federal government pay.
“The mass exodus of health professionals is severely affecting our capacity to provide adequate care,” he lamented.
“Even when the government is willing to recruit, most doctors are unwilling to take up appointments, especially in rural areas.”
He added that the government has introduced measures such as improved remuneration and the upgrading of facilities to attract and retain health workers. An internship program for nurses has also been launched to address the shortage caused by the migration of trained nurses abroad.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved key reforms, including salary enhancements, in a bid to stem the tide of emigration and strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
However, health officials warn that these efforts may still fall short unless the federal government tackles the broader systemic issues driving medical professionals out of the country.
Nigeria currently has one doctor to every 5,000 patients—well below the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of 1:600—underscoring the urgency of the situation not just in Kwara, but nationwide.