Lagos Commissioner Pleads for 30k Doctors as Migration Crisis Fuels Medical Staff Shortage
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has highlighted a significant shortfall in medical professionals, attributing it to the mass migration of healthcare workers.
Speaking at the Lagos State University College of Medicine on June 13, during the induction ceremony for its 18th cohort of medical graduates and 8th cohort of dental surgeons, Abayomi revealed that Lagos requires an additional 30,000 medical practitioners to meet its healthcare needs.
The exodus of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad has severely impacted the local health sector, leading to a critical deficit in manpower.
Prof. Abayomi addressed the new graduates, urging them to consider staying and specializing in various medical fields to help bridge this gap and enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system.
He stated, “We have to initiate change, beginning with this graduation. Lagos faces a shortage of approximately 30,000 medical professionals.
I understand many of you may be contemplating relocating abroad (‘japa’). While you have the freedom to pursue opportunities overseas, we hope to see professionals who, even if they relocate, remain connected and contribute to the healthcare landscape here.”
Abayomi further encouraged those planning to go abroad to consider eventually returning to Nigeria to utilize their enhanced skills and knowledge for the benefit of the local healthcare system.
Lagos Commissioner Pleads for 30k Doctors as Migration Crisis Fuels Medical Staff Shortage
