By Kogi News Tribune Staff Writer
Published: July 10, 2025
LOKOJA — Medical doctors in Kogi State have raised alarm over worsening conditions in the state’s healthcare system, citing poor remuneration, lack of promotions, and inadequate welfare policies as key factors driving the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals.
The concerns were jointly expressed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the National Association of General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) during a press briefing in Lokoja.
The statement was signed by Dr. Olukoya Taiwo, Chairman of NAGGMDP; Dr. David Omeiza, President of ARD at Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH); and Dr. Aikoye Daniel, President of ARD at Prince Abubakar Audu University Teaching Hospital (PAAUTH).
The doctors lamented the partial implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), noting that despite the Kogi State Government’s approval in November 2024, the policy has yet to be fully executed.
They revealed that many doctors have remained on the same salary scale for over eight years due to lack of cash backing for past promotions, no annual salary increments, and a general lack of incentive to remain in service within the state.
“We believe robust health indicators are only achievable when the welfare of healthcare workers is prioritized. Poor pay and career stagnation are discouraging medical personnel from staying, and this has serious implications for public health,” the associations said.
They further pointed out that ongoing health sector reforms, including the expansion of the Kogi State Health Insurance Scheme, would not yield optimal results unless the challenges faced by doctors were urgently addressed.
“While the influx of patients to public hospitals has increased due to initiatives like the insurance scheme, these programmes cannot succeed in isolation. The governor must urgently look into the welfare of doctors to ensure the healthcare system functions effectively,” they appealed.
Despite their grievances, the doctors commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his efforts in improving healthcare infrastructure and acknowledged his administration’s commitment to expanding access to care.
They expressed confidence in the governor’s leadership, describing him as a welfare-oriented leader and urging him to act swiftly to address their concerns, in order to retain skilled professionals and deliver better healthcare outcomes for Kogi residents.
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