In this interview, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, a former Commissioner for Health in Akwa Ibom State and Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, discusses the causes and effects of brain drain, among other issues. Below are some excerpts:
The recent federal government initiative to recruit medical practitioners – will it effectively address the challenges of brain drain?
I express gratitude to the federal government for initiating recruitment into hospitals. However, recruitment alone is insufficient because, while we are bringing in new professionals, the problem lies in retention. Numerous health professionals, including resident doctors and consultants, are leaving the country regularly. The economic factor plays a significant role. The highest-earning medical doctor in Nigeria’s public service makes around $1000, whereas a junior medical professional in the UK earns about $3000 before tax. This economic disparity makes Nigeria a target for other countries to poach our skilled healthcare professionals.
What are the reasons behind this brain drain phenomenon?
Economic factors are paramount, with the meager salaries in Nigeria being a significant deterrent. The highest-earning doctors in the country cannot match the earnings of their counterparts in the UK or the United States. Lack of job satisfaction, inadequate working environments, and insecurity in some regions further contribute to the exodus of healthcare professionals.
How does brain drain impact your hospital?
The brain drain has affected our hospital, albeit not as severely as some teaching hospitals. Many resident doctors, nurses, and consultants have left. The departure of experienced professionals creates challenges in maintaining the quality of healthcare services.
What challenges do you face as the Chief Medical Director of UUTH?
Our challenges include power supply issues, inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and the attitude of staff towards patients. Power supply has been a persistent issue, and though we’ve made efforts to address it, challenges persist. Improving infrastructure has been a success, with the completion of abandoned projects and initiation of new ones. However, financial constraints persist, affecting our ability to procure essential supplies and equipment. Staff attitude towards patients is another challenge, and efforts are underway to improve organizational culture through regular training sessions.
How can the government address these issues, especially brain drain?
Addressing brain drain requires comprehensive policies and a conducive working environment. It involves improving pay structures for healthcare professionals, creating opportunities for career development, and enhancing working conditions. Additionally, discussions at the highest levels should focus on reversing brain drain and encouraging skilled professionals to return to Nigeria.
What are your thoughts on the proposed bill compelling medical professionals to serve for an extended period before leaving the country?
While acknowledging both positive and negative aspects, the bill may infringe on fundamental human rights. However, it could be applicable to individuals on scholarships or student loans. Subsidized medical education in government universities should foster patriotism, discouraging professionals from leaving hastily.
What inspired you to become a medical doctor?
Growing up with a mother who was a nurse and having family friends who were medical doctors, the path to becoming a medical doctor seemed inevitable. Despite excelling in arts, the passion for medicine prevailed, and it became the only career choice.
On the issue of health professionals engaging in private practice at the expense of government facilities:
Engaging in private practice at the expense of government facilities goes against ethical standards. While recognizing the financial challenges faced by civil servants, especially in the health sector, prioritizing private practice over public service is discouraged.
Concerning the frequent strikes by resident doctors:
Strikes, not exclusive to medical doctors, have become a pervasive issue in the Nigerian labor sector. Strikes should be a last resort, but unfortunately, they have become a common first-line action, posing challenges to effective healthcare delivery.
