The Ondo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association is urging increased involvement from all parties concerned to tackle the growing issue of healthcare workers departing the nation, commonly referred to as the Japa phenomenon.
At the 48th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association, which took place in Akure on Thursday, the state NMA Chairman, Dr. Abel Alonge, stated that enhancing the well-being and pay for doctors could curb the situation.
Alonge stated, "Over the past year, issues related to the working conditions and pay of doctors and other healthcare professionals have become a top priority. There has been significant involvement from various stakeholders to enhance the compensation of the health workforce, at both the national and state levels."
If implemented, we believe this will curb the spread of 'Japa Syndrome,' and at the state level, it should also draw more healthcare professionals to the region, thus alleviating the current heavy workload.
Be assured that the government, at both the national and state levels, is working for our well-being, and it will soon produce results.
He mentioned that the NMA in the state was working on a document called Road Map to Quality Health Care, which would be presented to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as part of initiatives to assist the government's health strategy.
The focus of the conference was providing high-quality medical care to the residents of Ondo State despite the decreasing number of healthcare workers.
Opening the conference, Aiyedatiwa, represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, recognized that the state had suffered from the large-scale exodus of doctors.
He stated, "I am aware that the problem of Japa syndrome is not confined to Ondo State. However, we will not be discussing others. We will focus on ourselves. The reality is that we are undermanned. Doctors, in particular, are overcrowded. We give thanks to God that we have the ability to train more doctors."
We are home to the University of Medical Sciences. We now also have the Achievers University, which is training doctors and other healthcare professionals. Additionally, FUTA is set to start producing doctors as well. Therefore, we won't face a major issue. Of course, we are aware that we need to keep them. How can we do that? Naturally, we must offer them competitive salaries, allowances, and good welfare benefits, and we are addressing this.
I am aware that currently, our salary structure is comparable to that of the federal government. Thanks to Mr. Governor. Regarding all our allowances, we are making sure that our offerings do not fall below those of the federal government. I believe we are taking this matter seriously. Yes, there may be one or two minor issues, but I think we are addressing them. The hazard allowance is being provided.
We are aware that our doctors are overburdened across all our facilities. However, we are reaching out to them. We are doing this because we need to provide our people with equal access to affordable, effective, and efficient healthcare. Additionally, we are implementing a health insurance program, which is designed to support the financial aspects of the government's healthcare sector.
Additionally, the event's chairman and former legislator, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, called on the state government to implement a pay structure that surpasses that of the Federal Government.
"Let the state develop a salary structure that exceeds those of other states. It is achievable, you can do it. Simply set it 20 percent higher than the FG's scale, and observe if the doctors wouldn't come back," Ayorinde said.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).