For Every 10,000 Persons in Nigeria, There are Four Doctors Available to Treat Them, Says WHO

A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that for every 10,000 people in Nigeria, there are four doctors available to treat or attend to them.

In a statement, it was noted that telemedicine is gradually gaining popularity globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa, but it has not been fully adopted in Nigeria.

The statement also noted that improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy.

The statement further explained that it is estimated that at least 2,000 medical doctors leave Nigeria annually, and no fewer than 5,407 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently working with the British National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

The statement said: “How does Nigeria adequately provide healthcare services to its more than 200 million population? Virtual healthcare services could be helpful, but many Nigerians may not be able to afford the cost considering the high poverty rate in Nigeria.

“Currently, only a few medical practitioners provide healthcare services virtually. There is a need for more medical professionals to be involved in the practice.”

The statement remarked that U.S.-based Nigerian medical doctor and psychologist, Dr. Yusuf Haroun, provides free healthcare services virtually, adding that but the sustainability of such efforts would be challenging if there was no adequate support from the government.

The statement added: “The Lagos State University College of Medicine’s trained medical doctor, Yusuf holds a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree from Franklin University, Ohio, United States, providing these services through a non-profit organisation he founded, the Love for Health Organisation (LHO).

“Creating awareness about telemedicine and its benefits may result in more Nigerian doctors who have migrated abroad being involved. This is one of the ways the Nigerian healthcare system could be supported by Nigerian-trained medical professionals.

“There is also a need for the National Health Act 2014 to be reviewed to provide a stronger legal framework for virtual healthcare services.”