Ogun Doctors Sound Alarm: Tax Relief Needed to Stop Medical Brain Drain

Medical professionals in Ogun State have called on the state government to implement a tax rebate system for doctors working in public healthcare facilities as a measure to curb the growing exodus of medical personnel.

This appeal was made by the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, during a press briefing held in Abeokuta to mark the commencement of the association’s Annual General Meeting. The week-long event, themed “Leveraging On Technology To Drive Medical Practice In The Era Of Dwindling Medical Personnel,” is scheduled to run from August 3rd to 9th.

Dr. Ogunjimi stated that while the association appreciates the state government’s decision to align doctors’ remuneration with that of their counterparts in federal institutions, the amount deducted from their salaries as tax has become burdensome and counterproductive. He emphasized that a reduction in taxation would serve as an incentive for doctors to remain in service within the state.

He explained that it took over 16 months of negotiations before the government implemented the long-requested pay parity. However, he noted that the high tax rate now imposed on the revised salaries is disheartening and could discourage retention.

While affirming that doctors are not seeking tax exemption, the NMA Chairman stressed that the current deductions are excessive and demoralizing for medical professionals committed to staying in the state. He urged the state government to follow the example of other states that have provided similar reliefs to healthcare workers to stabilize the workforce and mitigate brain drain.

The association reiterated its commitment to enhancing the welfare of its members and pledged to continue engaging with the government constructively to promote the sustainability of healthcare delivery in Ogun State.