Doctors Warn Poor Pay And Harsh Conditions Driving Mass Migration

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised concerns that poor pay, difficult working conditions, and lack of manpower are forcing doctors to leave the country in large numbers.

The warning came during the association’s 45th annual general meeting held in Katsina State on Wednesday.

At the event, Governor Dikko Radda urged medical professionals to put national service above financial rewards. He promised that his administration would continue to support doctors in the state and improve healthcare delivery through better facilities, especially at the primary health level.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, countered that the reality facing doctors was harsh. He explained that many medical professionals were driven to migrate because of poor remuneration, exhausting workloads, and inadequate staffing. He warned that the trend has worsened the shortage of healthcare workers and left critically ill patients without enough medical attention.

The doctors argued that better policies on pay, incentives, and working conditions are urgently needed to stop the wave of migration. Osundara pointed out that for more than ten years, there has been no meaningful effort to improve salaries through collective bargaining, even though financial incentives remain the strongest motivator for health workers in Nigeria.

Despite the challenges, Osundara praised members of the association for their resilience and commitment to patient care. He noted that NARD has made progress in promoting the welfare of doctors, even as demands for improved working conditions remain unresolved.

Earlier this month, NARD had suspended a planned five-day strike after only two days, giving the federal government two weeks to meet its demands. The association is expected to reconvene on September 26 to decide whether or not to resume industrial action.

The standoff continues as doctors balance their duty to patients with growing frustration over welfare issues, while government efforts to address their concerns remain under close watch.