Lagos: A Professor of Public Health, Akin Osibogun, has recommended an average monthly salary of N2.5 million for consultant anaesthetists to retain them within Nigeria’s health system. Osibogun made this recommendation during the Nigerian Society of Anaesthetists (NSA) Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting, held in collaboration with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed ‘Health Emergencies: The Role of the Anaesthetist’, highlighted the urgent need for better remuneration to retain skilled anaesthetists in Nigeria. Osibogun, a former Chief Medical Director of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, emphasized the intensive training required for anaesthetists and the global shortage of these specialists. He cited 2022 NSA data indicating only 800 anaesthetists in Nigeria, resulting in a ratio far below the World Health Organisation’s recommendation.
Osibogun stressed that anaesthesiology involves managing anaesthesia and p
ain during medical procedures, with specialists also playing a vital role in chronic pain management and emergency medical situations. He noted the critical responsibilities of anaesthesiologists in resuscitation and patient stabilization.
Prof. Alhassan Mohammed, President of NSA, echoed these concerns, highlighting the acute shortage of manpower and infrastructure. He urged the government to address these issues to prevent further brain drain, as many anaesthetists are currently practicing abroad due to inadequate remuneration.
Mohammed emphasized that adequate infrastructure and proper remuneration could incentivize anaesthetists in the diaspora to return to Nigeria. The conference’s theme aimed to devise strategies for managing increasing health emergencies, partly due to conflicts in the country. The NSA has developed initiatives to train the public in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to address sudden health crises.
Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, Wife of Lagos State Governor, represented by Mrs. Waidat Mustaf
a, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and ensuring healthcare workers are well-compensated and continually trained. This commitment aligns with the state’s ideology to adapt to new healthcare realities and maintain high standards of service.