The Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, has stated that increasing doctors’ salaries alone will not resolve the challenges facing the health sector.
He emphasized that, given Nigeria’s economic realities, healthcare professionals are among the highest-paid in the country.
Speaking during a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, Salako encouraged healthcare workers to embrace patriotism and consider the long-term benefits of remaining in Nigeria. He expressed optimism that the mass migration of medical professionals, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome,” would soon decline.
“Within Nigeria’s economic realities, health workers are among the best-paid professionals,” he said. “However, beyond salary increases, we must foster a stronger sense of commitment and passion for the profession.”
He further noted, “If we raise doctors’ salaries, other professionals, such as teachers, will also demand pay increases. East or West, home is best. No matter where you go outside your country, you remain a second-class citizen.”
Addressing the challenges faced by tertiary hospitals, particularly in power supply, Salako commended UBTH for its innovative approach to managing the issue.
He assured that the government would increase funding for public hospitals, stating, “Health is the essence of life, and adequate funding is essential to overcoming the sector’s challenges.”
The minister also linked the “japa syndrome” to broader economic concerns, stressing the need for a comprehensive solution. “With the policies currently in place, particularly those focused on capacity building, the tide will soon turn,” he concluded.
