Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of teaching hospitals have sounded the alarm over the escalating brain drain affecting Nigeria’s health sector. Speaking during a budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Institutions, the CMDs lamented the mass exodus of doctors, nurses, and other skilled healthcare professionals in search of better opportunities abroad. Despite significant investments in health infrastructure, they warned that tertiary hospitals risk becoming understaffed and unable to meet the growing demands of patient care.
The CMDs cited poor remuneration and lack of incentives as the primary drivers of the brain drain, which has left many hospitals struggling to fill critical positions. Prof. Emem Bassey of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) revealed that the institution returned over ₦1 billion in unused funds to the Federal Government in 2024 due to unfilled vacancies. This amount, originally allocated for salaries, highlights the dire consequences of staff shortages on the operational capacity of healthcare institutions.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, assured stakeholders that the government is actively addressing the issue through short- and long-term strategies. He pointed to recent permissions granted to CMDs to recruit health personnel as a measure to bridge the gaps. However, CMDs emphasized the urgency of improving the working conditions of healthcare professionals to stem the tide of resignations. Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) cautioned that unless economic incentives are prioritized, the exodus of healthcare workers could render Nigerian hospitals empty within two years.
The CMDs also used the session to defend their 2024 budget performance and propose their 2025 allocations. Despite achieving high efficiency in fund utilization, projects such as the establishment of a radio diagnostics centre at UUTH have been delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles. Prof. Bassey noted that for 2025, UUTH proposed a ₦19.93 billion personnel budget and ₦21 billion for capital expenses, reflecting the critical need to address systemic challenges. The CMDs reiterated their plea for swift government action to retain talent and sustain Nigeria’s healthcare system.