NMA Enugu Moves to Stem Medical Brain Drain, Unveils New Secretariat

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Branch, has renewed calls for urgent action to halt the migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria, describing the exodus of doctors and other medical workers as one of the greatest threats to the country's healthcare system.

Chairman of NMA in the state, Rtn. Dr. Sunday Okafor made the call during the unveiling and dedication of the association's new state secretariat in Enugu, on Monday.

Okafor disclosed that the unveiling came with the association's 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) that focuses on finding practical solutions to the medical brain drain challenge.

He warned that the continued departure of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals has worsened manpower shortages, increased the workload on those left behind, prolonged patient waiting times, reduced the quality of healthcare delivery and contributed to avoidable illness and deaths.

According to him, reversing the trend requires coordinated action by governments, policymakers, professional bodies and development partners, while reaffirming the association's commitment to advocating policies that improve healthcare delivery and enhance the welfare and retention of medical professionals.

Dr. Okafor, however, commended the Enugu State Government for sustained investments in the health sector, noting that improved working conditions and better welfare are critical to retaining skilled healthcare workers.

The unveiling of the new secretariat also marked a milestone in the association's efforts to strengthen its institutional presence and improve members' welfare.

Reflecting on the journey, Dr. Okafor said the previous office was little more than a store extension when the current leadership assumed office, prompting a determination to secure a befitting secretariat for the association.

He also highlighted improvements in doctors' welfare, stating that Enugu has become one of Nigeria's best-paying states for medical practitioners.

"What made many of our colleagues leave the country was poor welfare. Today, we have been able to reverse that trend. Under our leadership, the NMA has demonstrated purposeful leadership, and these achievements were made possible through the support of our members," he said.

The ceremony drew senior medical practitioners and dignitaries, including the Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Ike, himself a medical doctor, the Chairman of the NMA Board of Trustees in Enugu, Prof. Ohaegbulam, the renowned Cardiologist, Emeritus Prof. Martin Aghaji among others.

In his remarks, Bishop Ike reflected on Enugu's rich medical heritage and prayed for wisdom and guidance for the association's incoming leadership, urging them to remain committed to service and the preservation of human life. 

The event celebrated the outgoing administration's achievements in infrastructure development, doctors' welfare and institutional growth, while reinforcing the association's resolve to tackle medical brain drain through sustained reforms and collaboration.