Medical professionals in Zamfara bemoan Brain Drain and Insecurity

Because of the state’s instability, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Zamfara State Branch, has voiced concerns about the degree of brain drain in the medical field.

Prior to the Association’s Scientific Conference, Doctor Ibrahim Jibril, the Vice Chairman of the Association, made this statement while briefing reporters in Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State.

He claimed that because of Zamfara State’s high degree of insecurity, a large number of doctors are leaving the state every day.

The association also urged FG to intensify the fight against banditry, claiming that the crisis is getting worse every day and is overwhelming the state’s already precarious health system.

In order to battle insecurity and bring about peace, it advised the government to alter its tactics in the continuing war against banditry and to think about moving a sizable military command to Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria.

According to Dr. Jibril, eleven medical professionals have fled the state in the past month due to the ongoing security issues in Zamfara.

“We are urging the Federal Government to prioritize stepping up the fight against banditry in light of the current security conditions in Zamfara and other neighboring states. We want to be clear that the situation is becoming worse every day and has put too much strain on the state’s already precarious health system.

“We would like to suggest that the Federal Government reconsider its approach and consider relocating a major military operation command to Zamfara State.”

The association applauded Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal for repositioning the health sector by modernizing, renovating, and outfitting hospitals, particularly the Ahmad Yariman Bakura Special Hospital, with state-of-the-art equipment. They feel this will significantly contribute to the hospital’s return to its former status.

It is grateful that Governor Dauda Lawal established a commission to examine the pay of physicians and other healthcare professionals in Zamfara State, Northwest Nigeria.

“With the recent renovations and upgrades of the State’s hospitals, we would like to recognize the monumental efforts being made by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Zamfara State to reposition the health sector.”

“We are especially pleased with the government’s decision to update and furnish Ahmad Sani Yariman Bakura Specialist Hospital with cutting-edge machinery.”