BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Chairman of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Chairman of the Occasion, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata, has called on the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to address the growing “JAPA” trend, referring to the significant migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals seeking opportunities abroad.
Speaking in Asaba during the 2024 NMA Annual General Meeting (AGM), Ighrakpata emphasized the serious impact of this migration on the country’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved communities now facing critical shortages of medical personnel.
The Chairman, represented by Mr. Frank Nwugo, highlighted that the ongoing loss of medical professionals had left many Nigerians with limited access to essential healthcare.
He urged the NMA to consider strategies to mitigate this trend, reminding doctors of their Hippocratic oath to serve humanity and stressed that the ethical responsibility to ensure quality healthcare remained accessible to all Nigerians, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
“The migration wave, or ‘JAPA’ trend, is depriving communities and the nation of a stable healthcare workforce, creating an urgent gap in the delivery of medical services. While the search for better opportunities abroad is understandable, the healthcare gap disproportionately affects those without reliable medical access,” Ighrakpata stated.
Acknowledging the factors driving medical migration, he appealed to doctors to consider their commitment to serving the country’s healthcare needs in their career choices.
During the event, the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, delivered a lecture on the origins, benefits, and future prospects of the state’s contributory health scheme. Akpoveta emphasized that the program aimed to expand healthcare coverage, reduce financial barriers, and promote equity in healthcare access across Delta State. He praised the NMA for fostering a supportive professional environment and advancing the standing of the medical field in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the NMA, Asaba Zone, Dr. Christopher Otune, also addressed attendees, reflecting on the AGM’s theme: “Re-establishing Professional Values and Esteem in Nigerian Medical Practice.” Otune highlighted the need for Nigerian doctors to balance ethics, professionalism, and modern practices amid shifting national challenges, such as economic pressures, moral decay, medical tourism, and the “JAPA” phenomenon.
Dr. Otune called for renewed investment in healthcare infrastructure to create a conducive work environment, improve remuneration, and enhance safety for medical practitioners.
He expressed satisfaction with the event’s turnout and underscored the importance of continuous reflection and adaptation in the medical profession, quoting Socrates: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” He urged the state government to increase investment in healthcare infrastructure to create a supportive working environment that enables medical professionals to practice effectively. He also advocated for improved remuneration and benefits for healthcare workers, as well as enhanced safety measures for doctors.
