Healthcare Crisis Deepens as Only 55,000 Doctors Serve Over 220 Million Nigerians

The Medical doctors in Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over the worsening manpower shortage in the country's healthcare sector, warning that only about 55,000 doctors are currently available to cater to a population exceeding 220 million people.

The alarm was raised amid growing concerns over the continued migration of healthcare professionals abroad in search of better working conditions, remuneration, and career opportunities.

According to the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu Omoti, although the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has registered more than 130,000 doctors over the years, only about 55,000 are actively practising within the country.

The development means Nigeria currently has approximately one doctor serving between 3,600 and 4,000 people, a ratio significantly below international recommendations for adequate healthcare delivery.

Healthcare stakeholders say the situation has been worsened by the persistent exodus of medical personnel, popularly known as the "Japa" phenomenon, which has seen thousands of doctors, nurses, and other health workers leave the country in recent years.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, had earlier disclosed that over 16,000 Nigerian doctors left the country within the last five to seven years, further straining an already overstretched healthcare system.

Experts warn that the shortage is having severe consequences on healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities where access to medical services remains limited. They also noted that mental healthcare services have been heavily impacted, with millions of Nigerians lacking access to adequate treatment due to insufficient specialist manpower.

Medical professionals have called on governments at all levels to improve welfare packages, provide modern medical infrastructure, enhance training opportunities, and create an enabling environment that will encourage healthcare workers to remain in the country.

Observers argue that without urgent intervention, Nigeria's healthcare sector may face greater challenges in meeting the medical needs of its rapidly growing population.