At a first-quarter interministerial press briefing held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Hospital Management Board, Abdulrahman Malik, confirmed a critical shortage of doctors in government-owned hospitals. He revealed that while the healthcare system requires between 180 and 200 medical doctors, only 89 are currently on the state’s payroll.
Malik attributed the shortage to the growing trend of professionals relocating abroad, a movement commonly referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” He said even though the government is actively recruiting and willing to employ more doctors, many are no longer interested in public service within the state.
He noted that the number of doctors recently increased slightly from 86 to 89 after three previously resigned medical professionals returned following the introduction of a revised salary structure. This new pay scale was designed to match federal government salaries to encourage retention. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the salary adjustment, which is part of broader measures aimed at improving working conditions, especially in rural areas.
In addition to better pay, the state has launched an internship program for nurses to fill the gaps left by many who have also left the country for opportunities abroad. Malik stressed that the continued departure of health workers is damaging the state’s ability to deliver quality medical care.
Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio is now estimated at one doctor to more than 5,000 patients—far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor to every 600 people.
