By Akinwale Kasali
Disturbed by the ‘JAPA’ Syndrome, that has seen many of the nation’s best Medical practitioners leave the shores of Nigeria, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, has applauded the recent increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers, from 60 to 65 years.
NMA says that this will help to cushion the effects of the ‘japa’ scourge in the health sector.
Dr. Happy Adedapo, Chairman, NMA, Oyo State Branch, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, said that President Bola Tinubu’s approval for 65 years as the new retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers earlier in the week is a welcome development.
He added that this will take care of some downsides of the highly prevalent japa malady among other issues bedevilling the healthcare delivery system.
The Chairman emphasised that the approval would mitigate the effects of inadequate personnel in the health sector.
“It is something the Body of Doctors has been advocating as most healthcare facilities are short-staffed.
“Generally, apart from the external ‘japa,’ there is the internal ‘japa’ as well.
“People are also migrating to places like Lagos and Abuja due to better working conditions on a daily basis.
“The lacuna created by the shortage of staff, as a result of the exit of top and junior professionals, would surely be plugged, even if temporarily, while further ingenious measures are adopted for permanent respite.
“It’s better to retain the old and experienced ones who have been in the system and are not planning to relocate.
“So, it’s a welcome development if followed through and backed by extant documents,” Adedapo stated.
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