The exodus of medical professionals, resulting in a lack of manpower, is creating a more severe burden on the health sector in Nigeria, stated Prof. Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Commissioner for Health.
He highlighted the particular impact on Lagos, with a shortfall of 30,000 medical professionals, in his remarks at the Lagos State University College of Medicine induction ceremony for its recent cohorts of medical doctors and dental surgeons.
Abayomi emphasized the critical need for more doctors in the face of a growing population of over 20 million people, as the ongoing trend of health professionals moving abroad continues to worsen. This brain drain has significant consequences for Nigeria’s healthcare system, affecting the availability of skilled personnel.
He urged the new inductees to specialize in various fields and contribute to enhancing the country’s health sector.
Abayomi said, “We have to start something and start from this graduation. There is a shortage of about 30,000 medical professionals in Lagos.
“I know many of you would like to ‘japa’ (seek greener pastures abroad). We have a lot of Nigerians in the diaspora. You have the freedom of choice to ‘Japa’ out of Nigeria, but what we would like to see is a set of professionals that have the opportunity to ‘Japa’ and still have an impact on the ground.
“And even better, those of you who choose to go abroad to expand your capabilities, you can make a deliberate decision to come back to Nigeria,” he mentioned.
Professor Adetokunbo Fabamwo, the Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, commended the Lagos State Government for their ongoing support in developing the institution.
During his speech, Prof Abiodun Adewuya, the Provost of LASUCOM, advised the new inductees to explore different opportunities within the healthcare industry.
He emphasized LASUCOM’s goal to become the leading medical school in the South West and highlighted the achievements of their alumni in the global healthcare sector.
Prof Adewuya mentioned the college’s target to produce 1000 medical doctors within the next five years.
The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, congratulated the inductees and urged them to contribute to the country’s healthcare sector, emphasizing the government’s investment in their education.
81 inductees were sworn in by the Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, Dr Fatima Kyari, with the top medical and dental students receiving awards.
LASUCOM has produced 1093 medical doctors and 51 dental surgeons so far.
