Japa Syndrome in Nigerian Healthcare: Improve working conditions for doctors, Abayomi tells FG

Professor Akin Abayomi, Lagos State Health Commissioner, has sounded a clarion call to tackle the rampant ‘Japa’ syndrome plaguing Nigeria’s medical profession by creating a more attractive and supportive work environment. Speaking at the 48th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Society for Haematology and Blood Transfusion in Ibadan, Abayomi emphasized that making the health sector inspiring is the only antidote to the ongoing mass exodus of doctors.

“People abroad want to come back home. Some have even called me, but the environment must be conducive,” Abayomi remarked, highlighting the frustrations that drive many doctors to leave the country—from unreliable services to the everyday hassles that make life difficult for professionals. He shared a relatable anecdote: “You get to Lagos, your driver takes the wrong way, and LASTMA officials jump in front of your car—you start wondering if you’re being kidnapped. The next thing you do is head to the airport and get out of the country.”

Currently, Nigeria struggles with just 3.9 doctors per 10,000 people, and a staggering shortage of specialists, with one pathologist serving between 500,000 to 1 million people. Abayomi urged both the government and medical professionals to focus on mass training of specialists and improving working conditions.

Representing the Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital, Professor Sola Olawoye highlighted the critical, yet often overlooked, role of haematologists and blood transfusion specialists in Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing the need for greater recognition and support for these unsung heroes.