Olomu urgeds Federal government to prioritize the nation’s health sector
The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, has urged the Federal Government to prioritize the nation’s health sector by according to the medical profession, the respect and support it deserves.
The call was made by the outgoing Medical Director of FMC Abeokuta, Professor Adewale Musa-Olomu, during a press briefing held on Thursday in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The briefing was part of his account of stewardship, marking the end of his eight-year tenure as head of the medical center.
Musa-Olomu lamented that the medical profession in Nigeria has been devalued, despite its critical importance.
He expressed concern over the government’s current approach, which, while increasing admissions into medical schools and establishing more pharmaceutical and laboratory facilities, has failed to address the alarming exodus of doctors relocating abroad in search of better opportunities.
According to him, a 2025 World Health Organization (WHO) research indicating that Nigeria’s doctor-to-patient ratio stands at approximately 1:9,083, far below the WHO-recommended ratio of 1:600.
This, he said, highlights the critical shortage of medical personnel in the country.
While commending the Federal Government for its investment in the sector, particularly the establishment of the Federal University of Medical Sciences in Abeokuta, Musa-Olomu stressed that more needs to be done to retain skilled professionals.
He emphasized that competitive remuneration aligned with global standards is essential to curb the ongoing brain drain.
He advocated for improved incentives, such as better salaries and working conditions, noting that in colonial times, doctors were prioritized and well-compensated, which encouraged commitment and retention.
Highlighting the competence of Nigerian doctors, Musa-Olomu cited a case at FMC Abeokuta where doctors successfully separated cancer from a patient’s nerves and bones, leading to recovery.
What are they doing in the US and UK that we cannot do here? Olomu asked.
He concluded by stressing that doctors must be supported in addressing their personal and family needs in order to focus fully on patient care, adding, that doctors who are worried about school fees for their children will not be expected to deliver optimal healthcare at work.
