NMA: Only 55,000 Doctors Practicing in Nigeria for 220 Million Population

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is facing a deepening crisis as the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, says only about 55,000 doctors are currently practicing in the country despite a population of over 220 million.

The disclosure was made during the Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos. The conference focused on growing pressure on healthcare workers and the impact of doctor shortages on patient care, especially in mental health.

NMA President, Prof. Omoti Ernest, confirmed the worsening shortage, saying available records show that although over 130,000 doctors are registered by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, only around 55,000 are actively practicing in Nigeria.

“This ratio is far below the World Health Organisation’s recommended threshold of one doctor to 600 people, highlighting the significant shortage of medical personnel and the strain on healthcare delivery,” he said.

Medical experts at the event said the shortage has worsened due to the migration of healthcare professionals abroad in search of better opportunities. According to them, at least 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last five years, leaving public hospitals overstretched.

They warned that the mass exit has severely affected psychiatric and mental healthcare services, widened treatment gaps, increased costs, and placed enormous pressure on the limited specialists still in the country.

“Thousands of doctors and other healthcare professionals have left in recent years, leading to severe staff shortages, increased workload, burnout, longer waiting times for patients, and declining quality of care in many public hospitals,” Prof. Ernest stated.

He added that rural and underserved communities have been hit hardest. The reasons, he said, include poor remuneration, inadequate working conditions, insecurity, limited career advancement, and insufficient investment in healthcare infrastructure.

“Many professionals are attracted by better pay, improved facilities, and more stable environments in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States,” he said.