NMA Oyo Appeals For More Incentives To Health Workers To Address Japa Syndrome

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Oyo State urged the government to offer more incentives to health workers and doctors to help reduce the high levels of migration.

Chairman of the Union in the state Happy Adedapo said that the "Japa syndrome" is a major challenge for health workers in 2024. He believes it could be massively reduced if doctors were made more comfortable in their work environment.

"It's not too much for the government to give car loans to doctors to encourage them and keep them in the system," he said, Premium Times reported. "We appeal to Governor Makinde to pay the doctors working in the state the medical residency training fund."

He added, "State workers should also enjoy the wage award. It's not too much for the government to give more incentives to the doctors to encourage them. The japa syndrome should be reduced to the barest minimum."

"Japa" is a term used for Nigerians leaving their country for greener pastures. Nigerian youth is leaving their home for a better life in countries like Brampton, Ontario and Canada, as per multiple reports.

Adedapo suggested that offering soft car loans to doctors could help keep them in the country and prevent them from leaving Nigeria. He called on health workers and stakeholders to collaborate in improving healthcare in Oyo State and Nigeria in 2025.

The chairman emphasized that the Oyo NMA will continue working with the state government to achieve their shared goals for the people. He stressed the importance of synergy for progress in 2025 and highlighted issues like low pay, staff shortages, and poor power supply that need attention.

He also mentioned that the Oyo NMA has been actively reporting cases of quackery to the relevant authorities. Adedapo expressed the determination to work with the government to eliminate quackery in the state.

The chairman thanked the workers for their contributions to maintaining the healthcare system despite the challenges. Adedapo acknowledged that key players are still giving their best to prevent the system from collapsing.

Adedapo urged everyone to continue their efforts to help patients, noting that anyone could be a patient. Adedapo expressed hope for better working conditions in the coming year, trusting both God and the government for improvement.