Ilorin:A call for comprehensive leadership training for doctors has been made by Professor Sulyman Kuranga, a Professor of Urological Surgery and Consultant Urologist. He emphasized the need for deliberate preparation of doctors for leadership and managerial roles, rather than relying solely on clinical competence and experience.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Kuranga highlighted this issue at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Ilorin Emirates Medical Doctors’ Group (IEMDG) and its Annual General Meeting. During the event, new executive officers were also elected.
Kuranga pointed out significant gaps in leadership and management within Nigeria’s healthcare system. He noted that doctors often occupy strategic positions that require administrative and governance skills, yet the necessary preparation is lacking.
Discussing the current state of healthcare in Nigeria, Kuranga mentioned that 76% of healthcare expenses are paid out-of-pocket by patients. He also noted that while the healthcare ecosystem has evolved, medical training has not, leaving many doctors unprepared for roles that demand leadership.
He provided statistics indicating a decline in the number of practicing doctors in Nigeria, projecting 55,000 doctors by 2025, a 16.9% decrease from 66,241 in 2024. Additionally, over 16,000 doctors migrated between 2017 and 2023.
Kuranga pointed out existing leadership deficiencies, such as drug stock-outs, poor data management, and demotivated personnel, stressing the need for urgent corrective action. He advocated for embedding leadership, health economics, and management modules into medical education and residency programs.
He suggested pairing residents and young consultants with experienced leaders and establishing a structured qualification system, potentially leading to a Nigerian College of Medical Leadership. He also emphasized the importance of recognizing and properly remunerating managerial roles to ensure that competence, rather than chance, fills these positions.
The IEMDG, comprising medical doctors from Ilorin Emirate, has positively impacted their community through professional and humanitarian healthcare initiatives, attending to over 10,000 patients over the past decade through various outreach programs.