The National Executive Council of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) is calling for urgent reforms to address Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system. Highlighting the importance of a motivated medical workforce for national progress, the association emphasized that issues like brain drain, insecurity, and unsustainable workloads need immediate attention.

During a communique issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, National President Dr. Anas Idris recognized President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to tackle insecurity but urged further action to protect healthcare workers and ensure a safe working environment. The association is pressing for the implementation of a revised salary scale and retention allowances for doctors to enhance morale and curb migration.

Additionally, the doctors called for the swift resolution of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) to restore trust and stability within the health sector. They also advocated for comprehensive insurance coverage for healthcare professionals, citing rising occupational hazards as a pressing concern.

Dr. Idris stated, “The restoration of security remains central to reversing the medical brain drain, stabilizing healthcare delivery, and enabling doctors to work in a secure nation. A healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”

Furthermore, the NAGGMDP emphasized the importance of enrolling all doctors in a comprehensive insurance scheme to protect them against vulnerabilities associated with their profession.

The association remains open to collaboration with relevant stakeholders to foster a sustainable, equitable, and resilient health system for all Nigerians. Nigeria’s healthcare sector continues to face acute challenges, including a shortage of medical personnel, underfunding, and inadequate infrastructure, which have contributed to a significant brain drain of healthcare workers seeking better opportunities abroad.