The Ogun State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has warned that escalating harassment and physical assaults against doctors are exacerbating the country’s brain drain. During a press conference in Abeokuta for the 2026 Annual General Meeting, Chairman Dr. Ogunjimi Luqman Opeoluwa stated that the theme, Protecting the Doctor, Caring for the Caregiver, highlights the urgent need to ensure the safety of medical professionals.
Currently, Ogun State relies on only 1,200 doctors to serve a population of nine million, resulting in a ratio of one physician per 7,500 residents. Dr. Opeoluwa noted that the state requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to function effectively. He expressed concern that security agencies are bypassing the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) to arrest physicians without proper investigations into alleged negligence. The association is currently pursuing three legal cases against individuals who assaulted medical staff.
Dr. Opeoluwa urged the public to utilize hospital grievance channels like SERVICOM rather than resorting to violence. While acknowledging that doctors cannot guarantee health outcomes, he called on the government to improve welfare to help retain talent. The NMA praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for implementing the Professional Allowance Table and other financial incentives but requested that the government consolidate taxes for private practitioners to reduce their financial burden.
