The National President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Audu, on has stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to retain its critical health workforce through improved welfare packages and competitive remuneration, warning that failure to do so will worsen medical tourism and weaken national health outcomes.

Audu made the appeal while addressing journalists at the close of the NMA’s National Executive Council meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, themed “Beyond Crossroads: Unlocking Health System Potential Through Partnership.”

He noted that Nigeria boasts highly skilled medical professionals who deliver advanced care in both public and private facilities, often attracting patients from abroad. According to him, this demonstrates the country’s potential to reduce medical tourism if citizens are made more aware of the expertise and facilities available locally.

Audu added that Nigeria could also generate economic benefits by promoting its medical capabilities internationally, just as Nigerians travel overseas for treatment. However, he emphasised that retaining doctors and specialists through robust welfare packages remains central to achieving this.