No Doctor Should Earn Below ₦1m Monthly — OOUTH ARD

The President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, Dr John Omotoso, has called for a major upward review of doctors’ salaries in Nigeria, insisting that no medical doctor should earn below ₦1 million monthly.

Omotoso made the appeal on Monday during the 32nd induction ceremony of medical graduates into the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences Medical Alumni Association, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

He said poor remuneration and harsh working conditions are driving mass emigration of health workers, worsening the shortage of medical personnel across hospitals in the country.

According to him, the continuous “japa” trend among doctors is leaving Nigeria’s healthcare system overstretched and under-resourced, with hospitals struggling to cope with rising patient demand.

Omotoso also called for stronger government intervention in the health sector, including declaring a state of emergency to address systemic challenges affecting medical practice in the country.

He argued that political leaders should be restricted from seeking medical treatment abroad, insisting that such a policy would force investment into local hospitals and improve healthcare infrastructure.

“If those who make decisions about healthcare funding also depend on local hospitals, things will improve,” he said, stressing that leadership accountability is key to reforming the sector.

He further stated that doctors, nurses, and other health workers deserve better welfare packages comparable to what politicians receive, adding that improved pay would encourage many Nigerian-trained doctors abroad to return home.

Omotoso noted that the entry-level salary for doctors currently ranges between ₦250,000 and ₦300,000, which he described as inadequate given inflation and economic realities.

He maintained that increasing doctors’ minimum pay to ₦1 million monthly would significantly improve morale, productivity, and retention within the healthcare system.

The ARD president also urged graduating medical students to embrace innovation and digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, as part of modern medical practice.

He encouraged them to uphold professionalism, compassion, and integrity while remaining committed to lifelong learning and service to society.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Olusola Monehin, former ARD president of the hospital, emphasised the importance of mentorship, ethics, and innovation in shaping successful medical careers.