No doctor should earn below N1m monthly — OOUTH ARD

The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has described the state of Nigeria’s health sector as appalling and called on both the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the sector to improve healthcare delivery.

Omotoso also decried the poor remuneration of health workers, saying that given the country’s economic realities, no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million per month.

He explained that poor conditions of service, particularly inadequate remuneration, have been a major factor driving the mass migration of health workers abroad in search of better opportunities, resulting in an acute shortage of medical personnel and adversely affecting healthcare services nationwide.

Omotoso added that it was time for the federal and state governments to stop politicians from seeking medical treatment abroad, arguing that such a policy would compel public officeholders to prioritise funding and the development of local hospitals, thereby improving healthcare services for Nigerians.

The family medicine specialist disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists during the 32nd induction ceremony of newly graduated medical students into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

Omotoso said, “The truth is that practising medicine in the country is no longer appealing and encouraging, and the faster the government moves to address this challenge, the better for all of us.

“I strongly recommend that the government should declare a state of emergency in the health sector. This is quite important. One of the most radical steps that can be taken is to implement a policy that will stop politicians and public officeholders from going outside the country to seek medical attention.

“If that is done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into. But when those who determine hospital funding are not even patronising hospitals within the country, the problem continues and lingers. This is the starting point for us to redeem the image of medical practice in the country.

“While that is being done, I will also challenge the government to ensure that human resources — doctors, nurses and other health workers — are adequately remunerated, just as politicians are. If that is done, you will see many of our colleagues outside the country returning home.

“Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than N1 million per month. An average politician even takes this amount as an allowance. The government must always understand that poorly motivated employees may not give their very best.”

Omotoso stated that the entry-level salary for a medical doctor is between N250,000 and N300,000, stressing that the government must take urgent steps to review the figure and raise it to at least N1 million monthly in view of inflation and prevailing economic conditions.

Congratulating the 71 graduating medical students, he urged them to define their career paths carefully and embrace digital technology, particularly artificial intelligence, which is transforming medical practice and other professions.

The ARD president also advised the graduates to prioritise giving back to society and support the continued growth and development of their alma mater.

Speaking on the theme, “The Road Ahead: Connecting Today’s Graduate with Tomorrow’s Legacy,” the immediate past ARD President of the hospital, Dr Olusola Monehin, urged the graduating students to serve with compassion, uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and adhere to the ethics of the profession.

Monehin also highlighted the importance of mentorship, maintaining that a single conversation could serve as a lifeline in navigating future professional challenges.