ARD President Raises Concern Over Healthcare Crisis
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has described Nigeria’s health sector as being in a critical condition.
He called on both the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency in the sector to improve healthcare delivery and address the growing shortage of medical professionals.
Poor Pay Driving Medical Brain Drain
Omotoso blamed the mass migration of doctors and other healthcare workers on poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions.
According to him, many health professionals continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
He warned that the trend has created a severe shortage of skilled personnel and continues to weaken healthcare services nationwide.
“The truth is that practising medicine in Nigeria is no longer attractive. The government must act quickly to address this challenge,” he said.
Doctors Should Earn At Least N1m Monthly
The family medicine specialist argued that the current economic realities demand a significant salary review for medical professionals.
He maintained that no doctor should earn less than N1 million monthly.
Omotoso noted that entry-level doctors currently earn between N250,000 and N300,000 per month, a figure he described as inadequate.
“Given the state of the economy, no medical doctor should earn below N1 million monthly. Many politicians receive more than that as allowances,” he said.
He added that poorly motivated workers may struggle to deliver their best performance.
End Foreign Medical Trips for Politicians
The ARD president also proposed a policy that would stop politicians and public office holders from seeking medical treatment abroad.
According to him, such a move would force leaders to invest more in local healthcare facilities.
He said the policy would encourage better funding, improved infrastructure, and stronger healthcare systems across the country.
“One of the most effective reforms would be stopping public officials from travelling abroad for medical care,” Omotoso stated.
Addressing New Medical Graduates
Omotoso spoke during the 32nd induction ceremony of newly graduated medical students into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
He congratulated the 71 graduating students and encouraged them to define their career goals early.
He also advised them to embrace digital innovation and artificial intelligence, noting that technology continues to reshape modern medical practice.
Furthermore, he urged the graduates to give back to society and support the development of their alma mater.
Mentorship and Integrity Remain Key
Speaking on the theme, “The Road Ahead: Connecting Today’s Graduate with Tomorrow’s Legacy,” former ARD President of the hospital, Dr Olusola Monehin, encouraged the graduates to remain compassionate and ethical in their professional journey.
He urged them to uphold integrity, embrace innovation, and maintain the highest standards of medical practice.
Monehin also stressed the value of mentorship, saying that a single conversation can provide direction during difficult moments in a professional career.
