The Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area in Lagos, Fuad Atanda-Lawal, has sanctioned a 100% salary increase for medical doctors serving at all primary health centers within the council area. Atanda-Lawal made this announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of ensuring comprehensive, quality, and affordable healthcare for all council residents. The pay raise, effective from February 2024, aims to counteract the ongoing brain drain, or ‘japa,’ in the nation’s health sector. The chairman expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capable doctors and linked the decision to the construction of a modern primary health center to benefit the community. He reiterated the council’s dedication to supporting President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwolu in delivering quality healthcare. In January, Dr. Eniayewun Ademuyiwa, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Health Service Commission, highlighted the strain on government-owned hospitals due to health workers’ mass emigration abroad, known as ‘japa.’
The shortage of manpower has led to increased admissions in state hospitals across Lagos, as revealed by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors reporting over 1,417 members relocating abroad for better opportunities last year.
