A new report reveals that some northern Nigerian states have one doctor serving over 43,000 people, exposing a deep healthcare crisis worsened by poor retention and medical migration.
Northern Nigeria is grappling with a severe doctor shortage, with some states reporting one doctor serving more than 43,000 patients.
The assessment, which evaluated the capacity of Nigeria’s 36 states to handle health emergencies and provide adequate medical services, highlights a deep regional disparity in healthcare access.
“Northern states like Bauchi, Zamfara, and Kebbi face a crippling shortage, with a single doctor responsible for over 43,000 patients. This extreme disparity highlights a critical national challenge in healthcare access and underscores the urgent need for strategies to retain and redistribute the country’s medical workforce,” the report stated.
Bauchi leads with one doctor per 54,249 patients, followed by Zamfara (49,266), Jigawa (48,466), and Kebbi (43,807). In contrast, Enugu and Lagos record the best ratios with one doctor to 299 and 2,136 patients respectively.
Experts warn that the mass migration of doctors abroad is worsening the strain on Nigeria’s health system.
The report urges urgent reforms, including competitive pay, improved infrastructure, and better security to prevent further collapse of the country’s overstretched healthcare workforce.