The Kwara State Government has expressed concern over the ongoing exodus of medical doctors, a phenomenon known as "Japa syndrome," which has left the state struggling to retain healthcare professionals.

Abdulraheem Malik, Executive Secretary of the Kwara Hospital Management Board (HMB), highlighted the issue at an inter-ministerial briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday. He revealed that only 89 medical doctors are currently employed in the state's public hospitals, far below the required 200.

Mr Malik noted that the "Japa syndrome" has further strained Nigeria's already overburdened healthcare system by depleting critical human resources.

"The mass exodus of health professionals is severely affecting our capacity to provide adequate care," the official said.

"Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has approved an upgrade in the salaries of our doctors to match federal pay in a bid to retain the few we have left.

"The revised salary structure has led to the return of three doctors who had previously resigned, bringing the total number on the state's payroll to 89.

"However, the figure still falls short of the estimated 180 to 200 physicians needed to serve the state's population effectively.

"Nigeria's doctor-to-patient ratio is currently estimated at one doctor to over 5,000 patients, far below the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommended one doctor to 600 patients.

He described the brain drain as exacerbating this situation, leaving many public hospitals understaffed and overburdened.

(NAN)