Dr. Sahedd Babajide, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos State Chapter, has decried the persistent crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, 65 years after independence. Despite reforms and investments, Babajide described the system as fragile and unable to provide equitable, quality services to Nigerians.
A major issue, he highlighted, is the ongoing brain drain, known as the “Japa syndrome,” with medical professionals leaving for better opportunities abroad. To curb this, Babajide proposed competitive salaries, tax-free call duty allowances, robust welfare packages, continuous training, research support, infrastructure improvements, and a better work environment.
Babajide criticized the inadequate healthcare funding, noting that federal and state governments allocate only 4–6% of budgets to health, well below the 15% benchmark set by the 2001 Abuja Declaration. He also condemned the misallocation of resources to unproductive “elephant projects.”
He pointed out the neglect of primary healthcare facilities, warning that without a strong foundation, secondary and tertiary institutions will remain underdeveloped. Outdated equipment, poor infrastructure, and insufficient facilities make the sector unappealing for professionals and unsafe for patients.
Babajide expressed concern over Nigeria’s unpreparedness for public health emergencies, epidemics, or disasters, noting that medical tourism continues to drain resources due to a lack of political will to improve domestic healthcare.
To address these challenges, he recommended:
Upgrading primary, secondary, and tertiary health systems.
Increasing healthcare funding with transparent management and regular audits.
Establishing clear career paths for healthcare workers and appointing competent leaders.
Building Infectious Disease Hospitals and Trauma Centres in every state and the Federal Capital Territory.
Developing multi-specialty hospitals for pediatrics, renal care, cardiac treatment, oncology, and neurosurgery.
Strengthening the National Health Insurance Scheme to enhance coverage and service delivery.
Babajide warned that without urgent reforms, Nigeria’s healthcare system risks further decline, with severe consequences for citizens and the economy.
