NMA regrets the mass exodus of health professionals

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ondo State Chapter, has stated that one of the ways to curb the brain drain affecting the health sector in the country is through the implementation of salary structure and Salary Structure Consolidated Medical Service (CONMESS) at all levels of health care.

While expressing concern over the mass exodus of health workers from the country, the Chairman of the NMA in the state, Dr. Olumuyiwa Alonge, described the syndrome as a consequence of a system that has not offered fair compensation and professional fulfillment.

According to Alonge, while speaking to journalists on Monday during a press conference to announce the annual Doctor’s Week in the state, when healthcare professionals receive fair and equitable remuneration, they feel valued and respected, thereby strengthening their commitment and dedication. to the care of the patient.

The theme of the week was titled “Ensuring Universal Applicability of Remuneration: A Panacea for Talent Retention in the Health System” and subthemes included “Mitigating the Impact of Infectious Diseases: Addressing the Monkeypox Outbreak and beyond”, as well as “Early detection of breast cancer and current trends in breast cancer treatment”.

“We urge all levels of government to ensure uniform implementation of our salary structure, the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), at all levels of healthcare.

“We also call for the prompt payment of all outstanding arrears related to wage improvements, including the new minimum wage.

“In recent years, we have observed an alarming trend: our most experienced and skilled healthcare professionals, the lifeblood of our healthcare system, are leaving Nigeria for opportunities abroad, and our dear State is not spared.

“This mass exodus, known as brain drain, is not simply a symptom of individual decisions; “It is a consequence of a system that has failed to offer compensation and professional fulfillment.”