President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has raised concerns over the worsening condition of Nigeria’s health sector, describing it as deeply alarming and in urgent need of government intervention.
Omotoso called on both federal and state authorities to declare a state of emergency in the health system, saying such a step is necessary to reverse declining healthcare standards and improve service delivery across the country.
He also decried what he described as poor remuneration for medical professionals, arguing that no doctor in Nigeria should earn less than ₦1 million monthly given current economic realities.
According to him, inadequate salaries and poor working conditions remain key drivers of the ongoing migration of health workers abroad, a trend that has left hospitals understaffed and weakened healthcare delivery nationwide.
The medical practitioner further urged the government to discourage public officials from seeking medical treatment outside the country, insisting that such a policy would force investment in local hospitals and improve infrastructure and services within Nigeria’s health system.
He made the remarks on Monday 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.
Omotoso said practising medicine in Nigeria has become increasingly unattractive, stressing the need for urgent reforms to prevent further collapse of the sector.
He stated that political leaders must prioritise strengthening domestic healthcare facilities if meaningful progress is to be achieved, adding that neglecting local hospitals while seeking treatment abroad worsens existing challenges.
The ARD president also called for improved remuneration for health workers, noting that motivation plays a critical role in productivity and service delivery.
He disclosed that entry-level doctors currently earn between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000 monthly, describing the figure as inadequate in the face of inflation and rising living costs.
Omotoso further recommended a salary review that would raise doctors’ pay to at least ₦1 million monthly, saying such an adjustment would help reduce brain drain and encourage professionals to remain in the country.
He congratulated the 71 graduating medical students and advised them to embrace technology, especially artificial intelligence, which he said is reshaping modern medical practice.
Also speaking at the event, the immediate past ARD President of the hospital, Dr Olusola Monehin, urged the new graduates to uphold integrity, show compassion in service, and embrace continuous learning and mentorship as they begin their professional journey.