Abuja: The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for sanctioning and initiating the payment of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and Specialist Allowance for medical professionals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the State chairman, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, announced this at a news conference preceding the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the association in Abeokuta. Ogunjimi characterized the approval as evidence of the governor’s dedication to enhancing doctors’ welfare and fortifying healthcare services in the state.
He elaborated that the implementation of the professional allowance table aligns with the approved Federal Government structure, while the Specialist Allowance has been effective since July. Ogunjimi asserted that this development would uplift medical practitioners’ morale and improve the quality of healthcare services provided to the state’s residents.
Ogunjimi conveyed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for his responsive and worker-friendly approach in addressing the welfare of medical doctors. He reiterated the association’s commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship with the government to tackle other welfare concerns and advance healthcare services throughout the state.
However, he expressed ongoing concerns regarding the shortage of medical doctors in the state, revealing that only about 1,200 doctors are currently serving an estimated population of nine million people. This ratio translates to one doctor for approximately 7,500 residents, highlighting the urgent need for more medical professionals.
Despite the scarcity, Ogunjimi commended the doctors who have chosen to remain in the state, resisting the allure of opportunities abroad, although they face unwarranted challenges. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the welfare of healthcare workers who continue to serve amid the shortage.
The NMA chairman estimated that the state requires between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors to deliver sufficient healthcare services. “If we have between 5,000 and 10,000 doctors in Ogun state, it will not be too bad. But those 1,200 doctors who are still here are trying their best,” Ogunjimi stated.