In a powerful open letter addressed to Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Dr. Najeeb Maigatari, a medical doctor from Dutse, highlighted the escalating crisis in Jigawa’s healthcare system, primarily due to a concerning trend known as the “Japa syndrome” – the mass departure of medical professionals from the state. This growing issue is said to be pushing the state’s healthcare infrastructure to the brink.
The letter was shared publicly as Dr. Maigatari expressed a lack of accessible channels to reach the Governor directly.
Opening with a message of condolence, he reflected on a recent tragedy in Majia, where over a hundred lives were lost, and many others suffered injuries. “My heart goes out to the bereaving families of all those affected,” wrote Maigatari.
Reflecting on Jigawa’s former status as a “medical hub,” Maigatari reminded readers that Jigawa was once a pioneer in subsidized healthcare and health worker welfare. “Our state was inarguably one of the best in Northern Nigeria for healthcare delivery,” he noted, emphasizing the investments made in training medical professionals both locally and abroad.
However, today’s reality is starkly different. With a patient-to-doctor ratio of 1:35,000 compared to the WHO standard of 1:600, Maigatari described the situation as dire. “Unfortunately, things have now taken a turn for the worse,” he wrote. According to data from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), only 40 out of 264 doctors trained under bonding agreements since 2013 have remained in the state. “More than 220 medical doctors have left…Jigawa is fast becoming a nightmare for medical practitioners,” Maigatari added.
This mass exodus has left Jigawa with fewer than 100 doctors serving a population of over 7.5 million. Dr. Maigatari warned that if this trend continues, “the state will be left with no medical doctors in the coming years.”
Maigatari proposed several solutions, urging the Governor to declare a state of emergency in healthcare. He stressed the importance of improving welfare for existing health workers, stating, “This singular act will not only boost the morale of these weary medical professionals…but also attract others from various states.”
Highlighting steps taken by other states, he also recommended implementing the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to help develop expertise in specialized fields. Maigatari concluded by advocating for improvements in hospital facilities and subsidies for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and those with chronic illnesses.
“This is only a tip of the iceberg as per this crisis is concerned,” Maigatari warned. “I believe these are some of the ways that could help put an end to this menace threatening our very existence and help revitalize the state’s healthcare system.”
This open letter has sparked discussions among residents and stakeholders, many of whom are hoping that state authorities will take swift action to address the healthcare crisis. The Governor’s office has not yet commented on Maigatari’s proposals.
