Enugu state, according to an SBM Intelligence index, has the highest doctor-to-patient ratio in the country, recording one doctor for every 299 patients.
The Cable Index revealed the reality of a severely understaffed health sector in Nigeria, with states like Lagos having only one doctor for every 2,136 patients. Enugu and Anambra were the only Southeastern states to make the top ten list, with Enugu topping it with the highest doctor-to-patient ratio. At the same time, Anambra had an abysmally low ratio of 5,277 patients to one doctor.
Other southeastern states of Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia recorded 6,822 Patients, 21,202 patients, and 23,391 patients to one doctor, respectively, revealing an alarming shortage in the supply of doctors.
Northern states clocked in at the bottom of the index, indicating that Northern Nigeria has the worst case of an understaffed health sector in Nigeria. The Bottom nine states on the index include Sokoto: 31,769, Gombe: 34,503, Yobe: 36,253, Adamawa: 36,622 , Borno: 38,672 , Kebbi: 43,807 , Jigawa: 48,466, Zamfara: 49,266, and Bauchi: 54,249.
The data highlights the long-term effects of the brain drain, as many Nigerian-trained doctors relocate abroad in search of greener pastures. Nigerian doctors are reportedly making waves abroad following the increased migration into Western countries. The emigration from Nigeria is driven by severely low wages for doctors in the country and the lack of additional perks to the job.
Nigerian doctors are also severely overworked, given the very low doctor-to-patient ratio in most states in the country. The Nigerian Medical Association is currently on strike, demanding higher wages from the Federal Government as doctors lament poor wages and long work hours.
