Only 55,000 Doctors Left To Serve Over 220 Million Nigerians — Experts Raise Alarm

Medical experts have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening healthcare workforce crisis, warning that only about 55,000 doctors are currently practising in a country with a population exceeding 220 million people.

The alarming figures were disclosed during a healthcare conference in Lagos, where medical professionals highlighted the growing impact of the mass migration of doctors and other healthcare workers seeking better opportunities abroad.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Omoti Ernest, revealed that while more than 130,000 doctors have been registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, fewer than half remain actively engaged in medical practice within the country.

According to him, the situation has left Nigeria with approximately one doctor for every 3,600 to 4,000 people—far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 people.

For many Nigerians, the shortage translates into overcrowded hospitals, longer waiting times, limited access to specialist care and increased pressure on already overstretched healthcare workers.

Medical experts noted that more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have relocated abroad over the past five years, a trend that continues to weaken the country’s healthcare system and reduce its capacity to meet growing medical needs.

The consequences are particularly severe in rural and underserved communities, where shortages of qualified personnel often leave patients with limited access to essential healthcare services.

Mental health specialists also expressed concern over the state of psychiatric care in the country. They disclosed that fewer than 150 psychiatrists are currently available to cater for millions of Nigerians, leaving a significant number of people living with mental health conditions without adequate treatment and support.

Experts attributed the continued exodus of healthcare professionals to a combination of poor remuneration, difficult working conditions, insecurity, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and limited opportunities for career advancement.

They urged the government to take urgent action by improving welfare packages for healthcare workers, investing in modern medical facilities and creating policies that encourage skilled professionals to remain in the country.

The experts warned that without decisive intervention, Nigeria risks facing an even deeper healthcare crisis, with potentially serious consequences for patient care, public health outcomes and the future of the nation’s medical workforce.