Kwara Government Hospitals Left With Only 89 Doctors Amid ‘Japa’ Crisis – Health Board

The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Abdulrahman Malik, has revealed a severe shortage of medical doctors in state-run hospitals, attributing the crisis to the ongoing ‘Japa’ trend—where professionals emigrate for better opportunities.

Speaking during the state’s first quarter interministerial press briefing on April 29, Malik explained that although 180 to 200 doctors are needed in the system, only 89 are currently available, up from 86 after three returned due to recently improved salaries.

He noted that despite the government’s readiness to recruit, many doctors decline the offers, especially for rural postings. In response, the state has launched an intern nurses programme aimed at addressing the exodus of nursing staff and bolstering the healthcare workforce.

“The mass exodus of health professionals is severely affecting our capacity to provide adequate care,” the official said.

“Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved an upgrade in the salaries of our doctors to match federal pay in a bid to retain the few we have left.

“The revised salary structure has led to the return of three doctors who had previously resigned, bringing the total number on the state’s payroll to 89.

“However, the figure still falls short of the estimated 180 to 200 physicians needed to serve the state’s population effectively.

“Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio is currently estimated at one doctor to over 5,000 patients, far below the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended one doctor to 600 patients.”