The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State chapter, has expressed concern over the shortage of medical doctors in the state, disclosing that only about 1,200 physicians are serving an estimated population of nine million residents.
The association said the situation leaves one doctor attending to about 7,500 people, describing the ratio as grossly inadequate to meet the healthcare needs of the state’s growing population.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abeokuta on Thursday ahead of the 2026 NMA Week and Annual General Meeting, the state Chairman of the association, Dr. Luqman Ogunjinmi, said the shortage has been worsened by the continued migration of doctors to other countries in search of better opportunities.
The conference is themed, “Protecting Healthcare Providers: Addressing Violence Against Doctors and Strengthening a Safe Healthcare System.”
Ogunjinmi said Ogun State requires at least 5,000 doctors to provide quality healthcare services.
“With an estimated population of about nine million people and only 1,200 doctors in the state, the gap is enormous. We need nothing less than 5,000 doctors, but those who have chosen to remain are doing their best to serve the people,” he said.
The NMA chairman also lamented the increasing cases of harassment, intimidation and attacks on healthcare workers, warning that such incidents are discouraging doctors from remaining in the country.
He alleged that doctors, particularly those practising in border communities such as Ota, Mowe and Ogijo, are often arrested by security agencies over clinical matters that should be handled by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“When allegations of professional negligence arise, there is an established regulatory body responsible for investigating such cases. We do not want security agencies handling clinical matters without due process,” Ogunjinmi stated.
He noted that the association had intervened in several cases where doctors were arrested following the death of patients, stressing that medical complications should not automatically be treated as criminal offences.
“Doctors cannot be arrested simply because a patient dies. Diagnosis and treatment involve many factors, and proper investigations must be carried out before anyone is held responsible,” he said.
Ogunjinmi maintained that while doctors are committed to delivering quality healthcare, they cannot guarantee every medical outcome.
“We strive to provide the best possible care, but we are not God. There are established complaint channels, including SERVICOM units in hospitals. Violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable,” he added.
He disclosed that the association had instituted legal action in some assault cases involving doctors to deter future attacks and would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through radio, print and social media.
The NMA chairman commended the Ogun State Government for approving and implementing the Professional Allowance Table and Specialist Allowance for doctors, describing the move as a positive step toward improving doctors’ welfare.
“Implementing these allowances is commendable. Although there are still areas that require improvement, we appreciate the government’s efforts and encourage it to do more,” he said.
He also appealed to the state government to harmonise taxes imposed on private medical practitioners and called for further investment in primary healthcare facilities across the state.
According to him, while some primary healthcare centres have witnessed improvements, more work is needed to strengthen healthcare delivery throughout Ogun State.
