The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed worry over the shortage of medical doctors in Ogun State, saying there is now only one doctor for about 7,500 people.
Speaking at a press conference in Abeokuta on Thursday ahead of the association’s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, the Ogun State NMA Chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, said only about 1,200 doctors are serving the state’s estimated population of nine million.
“This goes to show that there is currently a ratio of one doctor to about 7,500 residents in the state.
“Notwithstanding this shortage, the few doctors that have also decided to stay behind and shun the temptation of emigrating abroad are daily faced with unwarranted attacks.
“If you have an estimated population of about nine million in Ogun State and we have only 1,200 doctors working in the state, you know this is a far cry.
“The 1,200 doctors remaining have decided to stay back to give back to their country.
“It is important for the government and the public to prioritise the welfare of healthcare workers who have remained in the state despite the manpower shortage.”
Ogunjimi said Ogun State needs between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to properly meet the healthcare needs of its growing population.
“If we have between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors in Ogun State, it will not be too bad. But those 1,200 doctors who are still here are trying their best,” he said.
