The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has sounded the alarm over a deepening healthcare crisis in Jigawa State as no fewer than 300 medical doctors have exited the state within the last five months.
Speaking to journalists in Dutse, the state capital, the Chairman of the Jigawa State branch of the NMA, Dr. Usman Haruna, attributed the mass departure to poor remuneration, lack of incentives, and delayed implementation of salary reviews by the state government.
“This situation is not just alarming—it is dangerous. Over 300 of our members have left in just five months, and the few remaining are overwhelmed, overworked, and increasingly discouraged,” Dr. Haruna lamented.
According to him, the state government has failed to implement the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), a move that other states have already adopted to retain health workers and address brain drain.
“Other states have taken proactive steps to retain their doctors, but Jigawa is dragging its feet. We are calling on the government to act swiftly or risk a total collapse of the healthcare system in both urban and rural areas,” he warned.
Medical facilities across Jigawa, especially in rural communities, are said to be operating with skeletal staffing or completely without doctors. Patients reportedly travel long distances to neighboring states in search of medical attention—often with life-threatening consequences.
The NMA also noted that beyond remuneration, poor working conditions, lack of essential equipment, and inadequate career progression opportunities are driving professionals away.
The situation mirrors a nationwide trend, where Nigerian doctors are leaving in droves for better opportunities abroad. However, Jigawa’s sudden loss of such a large number in a short time has particularly alarmed stakeholders, raising questions about the state's commitment to healthcare delivery.
The association called on Governor Umar Namadi to personally intervene and prioritize the health sector before the situation spirals out of control.
“This is no longer just about doctors’ welfare—this is a matter of life and death for the people of Jigawa,” Dr. Haruna added.
Efforts to get a response from the Jigawa State Ministry of Health proved abortive as officials declined to comment as of press time.