*Says only 500 doctors left in public health facilities in Ondo State
*That the state lost about 400 doctors to migration, other forms of workforce attrition in last 5 years
*Laments that shortage had increased workload on remaining doctors
*Appeals to Ondo govt to introduce measures to attract, retain medical professionals
By Blessing Bature
The Ondo State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised the alarm over the loss of about 400 doctors to migration and other forms of workforce attrition in the last five years, leaving only about 500 in public health facilities across the state.
The state NMA chairman, Roland Arohunmolase, disclosed this in Akure on Monday during activities marking the 2026 Physicians’ Week, themed “Securing the Future of Medicine in Nigeria”.
Speaking on behalf of the NMA National President, Afekhide Omoti, Arohunmolase said the dwindling number of doctors had increased the workload on the remaining medical personnel and raised concerns about the quality of healthcare delivery.
“As of today, we barely have 500 doctors across state and federal government health establishments in Ondo State, excluding the private sector. Based on the records available to me, we have about 500 doctors,” he said.
He explained that the number of doctors previously serving in the state’s public healthcare system was estimated at between 900 and 1,000, but about 400 had left over the past five years.
Arohunmolase urged the state government to introduce policies that would attract and retain medical professionals, stressing the need for improved remuneration and better working conditions.
According to him, addressing the shortage would help reduce burnout among doctors and other healthcare workers struggling to meet the demands of an understaffed health system.
He also attributed the growing trend of medical tourism among wealthy Nigerians to inadequate hospital infrastructure, a shortage of essential equipment and limited access to modern medical technology.
“I believe they go abroad because they themselves know the inadequacies that exist within our system,” he said.
The NMA chairman maintained that the problem was not necessarily a lack of competence among Nigerian doctors but the failure to provide adequate facilities and equipment to support effective healthcare delivery.
He said these deficiencies had weakened public confidence in the country’s health system, prompting many Nigerians, including politicians, to seek medical treatment abroad.
Arohunmolase called for increased government investment in the health sector to upgrade hospital infrastructure, procure essential medical equipment and improve the welfare of healthcare professionals.
He stressed that competitive remuneration and a conducive working environment were essential to stemming the exodus of doctors and strengthening the capacity of public health institutions to provide quality services.
The association’s concerns highlight the growing pressure on Ondo’s public healthcare system as the state struggles to retain medical personnel amid the wider challenge of workforce migration in Nigeria’s health sector.
