15th October, 2021
The Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA) has decried the mass exodus of doctors in the state over poor pay and conditions of service.
The NMA said irregular payment of the salaries of medical doctors is the reason for the bad state of the health sector.
It also cited hostile work environment in the state.
Chairman of Ondo NMA, Dr Stella Adegbehingbe at press briefing on Friday said the impact of the exodus of doctors and other health care personnel on the people of the state is better imagined.
“The impact of the exodus of doctors healthcare workers to the neighbouring states and beyond is unimaginable. We now have fewer doctors and nurses to attend to an ever-increasing population.
“This year has been filled with a lot of challenges and crises in the health sector of the state and in our country coupled with covid-19 pandemic.
“The crises in the state health sector have been worsening by the irregular percentage of salaries being paid and the hostile work environment.
“This has resulted in the withdrawal of services at different times and a mass exodus of doctors and other health care workers
She called on Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to make the work environment conducive and provide the required and necessary equipment for them.
The chairman also urged the state government to embark on massive employment of health personnel in secondary and tertiary healthcare levels in the state.