Nigeria ‘ll continue to suffer consequences of ‘japa syndrome’ if … – NMA

By Ochuko Akuopha, ASABA

THE Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Delta State Branch, has warned that the country would continue to suffer the consequences of the japa syndrome, where the skilled health workers continue to migrate out of the country in search of greener pastures and assured security if the Nigerian society does not act fast and appropriately appreciate major care givers.

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It called on government to act fast by providing more incentives to retain  critical health care workers and stakeholders, emphasizing that “the time to act is now”.

The association also noted that granting of tax rebate to the critical health care workers “just ike is done for the defence and security critical workers” would be a veritable way of motivating the doctors and other critical health care workers.

Chairman of the Branch, Dr. Israel Adaigho, stated this during 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held at the NMA Secretariat, Asaba, lamenting that caregivers were no longer valued, cared for and protected in the country.

‘The medical doctor is faced with increasing and disturbing challenges, even to the ridiculous point of becoming a loathed and misunderstood professional by other colleagues in the health sector workplace, both in the hospital and outside hospital in the ministry and the university communities.

“Even the patients themselves, who are the centres of the doctors’ sacrifices are now part of the misrepresentation of the doctor and their actions”, he said.

Adaigho however, praised Governor Sherrif Oborevwori for adding value to services in the health sector in Delta state. 

He described the recent addition of sophisticated diagnostic equipment such as CT and MRI scan machines in major hospitals of the the senatorial zones of the state, as a much desired expression of genuine interest to improve the health indices of Deltans.

He explained that the main theme of the event on drug abuse was targeted at raising awareness of risks. promoting prevention, encouraging treatment and supporting mental healing. 

Adaigho lamented the menace of substance abuse and unspoken dangers associated with the disorder, saying that drug abuse had become a national epidemic.  

He noted that youths and society had become bedeviled by drug abuse, misuse, hazardous use, dependence and addiction. 

“There are so many advantages in talking about drug abuse. This helps to prevent addiction, promote early intervention,

and reducing the devastating health and social consequences of drug abuse.

“Open communication about drug abuse shatters the stigma that prevents the individuals from seeking help and allows us to address underlying root causes off drug abuse like trauma and peer pressure”, he said.

He noted that the subtheme, ‘Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: From Evidence to Action’ seeks to address the unfortunate events of the loss of lives associated with childbirth and events related to childbirth.

In her remarks, Head of Service, Delta State, Dr. Mininim Oseji, who was Guest of Honour, thanked the Governor Oborevwori, for his support to the medical profession and for advancing healthcare delivery in the state. 

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