Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has advocated for fair, universal remuneration for Nigerian health workers to prevent their flight to countries offering better opportunities and willing to invest in their workforce.
Prof. Bala Audu, President, NMA stated this at a press conference held in Keffi local government area of Nasarawa state on Tuesday as part of activities to mark the association’s Annual Physicians Week.
Our reporter gathered that the theme of the association’s Annual Physicians Week which is from October 27 to November 2, 2024 is “Ensuring universal applicability in remuneration: A panacea to talent retention in the healthcare system”.
Audu represented by Mr Isa Ohyoma, Chairman of the association in Nasarawa state said in recent years, Nigeria’s most experienced and skilled healthcare professionals are leaving the country for opportunities abroad.
He said the mass exodus known as “brain drain” is not merely a symptom of individual decisions but a consequence of a system that has failed to offer compensation and career fulfillment.
“Fair remuneration is more than just a salary figure. It is a recognition of our value, a motivator for excellence and a safeguard against burnout.
“In any industry, but particularly in healthcare, adequate compensation reflects the time, emotional energy and personal commitment healthcare professionals invest.
“When a healthcare worker is remunerated fairly and equitably, they feel valued and respected. This respect in turn fuels their dedication, strengthens their commitment to patient care and fortifies the larger ecosystem,” he said.
He said the disparities in the remuneration of health workers is a huge drive towards seeking better opportunities outside Nigeria as the disparities discourage healthcare professionals from entering or staying in the workforce, ultimately exacerbating the burden on those who remain.
“Pay structure vary widely depending on location, institution, and cadre thereby creating a fragmented remuneration system that is neither sustainable nor competitive on a global scale.
“Many doctors and indeed health workers find themselves overworked and underpaid and the inconsistencies in salaries is evident not only across the country but even within similar healthcare institutions,” he said.
He then called on government at all levels to ensure uniform implementation of healthcare workers salary structure called the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across all states and healthcare levels.
“The government must invest in our health infrastructure, improve working conditions for healthcare workers and prioritize health in our national agenda.
“We have the talent, knowledge and the passion within our ranks to achieve great things. What we now need is the support and investment from our leaders,” he added.
In an interview, Ohyoma who also pointed out that disparities in salaries of health workers has been the core reason for the flight of some health workers out for the country applauded sone states who have taken steps to align the salary structure of their health workers with that of the federal government.
“We went to the school. We spent the same amount of money buying textbooks. The economy is the same. The challenges are the same. So it makes common sense that we should receive the same salaries.
“In fact there are some states who have taken bold steps like Kebbi state and recently Zamfara state. They are making their salary structure of all doctors working with the state government equal to that of those working with the federal government. So it’s possible,” he said.
…END.