The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) President, Prof. Bala Audu, has called for a standardized implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) across Nigeria’s 36 states, as the National Physicians’ Week begins in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
During a press conference, Audu emphasized that the ongoing “brain drain” — the exodus of healthcare professionals to other countries — stems from systemic issues, particularly the lack of fair and competitive salaries nationwide. He highlighted the theme for this year’s event, “Ensuring Universal Applicability in Remuneration: A Panacea to Talent Retention in the Healthcare System,” pointing out that pay disparities across regions and institutions create an unsustainable and unattractive working environment.
“The current mass migration of doctors is not due to individual choices alone but reflects a broader system failing to provide fair compensation and career fulfilment,” Audu said. “Fair remuneration is essential, not only as a salary figure but as recognition of the value we bring to society and a deterrent to burnout.”
Audu noted that salary inconsistencies persist even among similar healthcare institutions, leading to doctors and healthcare workers often feeling “overworked and underpaid.” These disparities discourage young healthcare professionals from staying in the workforce, increasing strain on those who remain.
The NMA president urged all levels of government to uniformly implement CONMESS and address overdue salary arrears, adding, “Investment in health infrastructure and improved working conditions are crucial for attracting and retaining healthcare talent.” He concluded by highlighting that other countries recognize the need for fair, competitive salaries to retain talent, and Nigeria must do the same to be competitive in the global healthcare sector.
