The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has decried the poor remuneration of the health workers in the country, demanding that the least-paid doctor should not earn less than N1 million per month.

Omotoso made the call on Monday while speaking to our correspondent during the 32nd induction of the medical graduates into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

He argued that poor conditions of service and poor remuneration are major reasons many health workers are leaving the country in droves in search of greener pastures.

He noted that the far-reaching effect of this exodus is an acute shortage of medical personnel in health facilities.

Omotoso demanded laws prohibiting politicians from going abroad to access healthcare.

Omotoso said, “The truth is that practising medicine in the country is no longer appealing and encouraging, and the faster the government move to address this challenge, the better for all of us.

Omotoso said, “I strongly recommend that the government should please declare a state of emergency in the health sector. And one of the most radical steps that can be taken is to implement a policy that will stop politicians and public office holders from going outside of this country to seek medical attention.

“If that is being done, many of the hospitals that have been left unattended would be looked into. But when those who call the shots about hospital funding are not even patronising the hospital within the shores of the country, then the problem continues, and the problem lingers; this is the starting step for us to redeem the image of medical practice in the country.

“While that is being done, I will also challenge the government to ensure that human resources, the doctors, the nurses, health workers in the country are adequately paid, just like the politicians are being paid. If that is being done, you will see many of our colleagues outside of the country coming back to this country.

“Given the reality of our present economy, no medical doctor should earn less than N1m per month; an average politician even takes this amount as allowance. The government must always understand that poorly motivated employees may not give their very best.”

Omotoso stated that the entry salary for a medical doctor is between N250,000 and N300,000, saying that the government must take drastic steps to review this and make it at least N1m per month, given the turbulent economy and the challenge of inflation.

Congratulating the 71 graduating medical students, Omotoso urged them to carefully define their paths in the profession and embrace digital technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, which is revolutionising every profession, including medicine.

The ARD President also urged the medical graduates to prioritise giving back to society and should therefore be ready to support the further growth and development of their alma mater.

Speaking on the theme “The Road Ahead, Connecting Today’s Graduate with Tomorrow’s Legacy”, the immediate past ARD President of the hospital, Dr Olusola Monehin, urged the graduating medical students to serve with compassion even as they prioritise integrity, innovation and conform to the ethics of the profession.

Monehin also highlighted the place of mentorship, maintaining that one piece of conversation could be all that is needed to serve as a lifeline in navigating the challenges that lie ahead. (The PUNCH, but headline reworked)

Update news