The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Dr. John Omotoso, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s health sector, including a minimum monthly salary of ₦1 million for doctors.
Dr. Omotoso made the appeal on Monday while speaking during the 32nd induction ceremony of new medical graduates into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
He said poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions remain key drivers of the mass migration of Nigerian health professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
According to him, the continued exodus of doctors and other health workers has worsened the shortage of medical personnel in hospitals across the country, placing additional strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.
“The truth is that practising medicine in the country is no longer appealing and encouraging, and the faster the government moves to address this challenge, the better for all of us,” he said.
Dr. Omotoso urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the health sector, describing it as a necessary step to reverse the declining state of healthcare delivery.
He also proposed a controversial policy requiring public office holders and politicians to seek medical treatment within Nigeria, arguing that such a move would force greater investment in local hospitals.
“If that is being done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into,” he said.
He maintained that leadership accountability in healthcare funding would improve only when decision-makers rely on domestic health facilities rather than seeking treatment abroad.
Dr. Omotoso further stressed that improving salaries and welfare for medical professionals is essential to retaining talent and attracting doctors back to the country.
He noted that entry-level doctors currently earn between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 monthly, describing the figure as inadequate in the face of rising inflation and economic hardship.
“Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than ₦1m per month,” he said, adding that even some politicians receive similar or higher amounts as allowances.
He warned that poorly motivated health workers are unlikely to deliver optimal service, further undermining healthcare outcomes nationwide.
At the same event, graduating medical students were urged to embrace professionalism, integrity, compassion and innovation in their practice.
Speakers also encouraged them to adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance modern medical practice.
Mentorship was highlighted as a key factor in navigating the challenges of the medical profession, with emphasis on the importance of guidance and continuous learning.
The call for improved welfare comes amid ongoing concerns about brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, as hospitals continue to struggle with staffing shortages and increasing patient demand.
