The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has raised concerns over the impact of the mass migration of health workers on the availability of oncologists in the country.
President of the society, Prof. Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, highlighted this issue during a press briefing for the commemoration of World Cancer Day.
Oncologists are doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating cancer.
Prof. Omonisi attributed the ongoing exodus of radiation and clinical oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, and other health professionals to factors such as poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, low living standards, and insufficient healthcare funding.
Citing data from the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), a corporate member of the NCS, he stated that the ideal ratio of a radiation and clinical oncologist to cancer patients is 1:250–500. However, in Nigeria, the current ratio stands at 1:1,800.
“This has resulted in the increasing long queues seen in all our oncology clinics across the country. I appeal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently address the push and pull factors driving the mass departure of skilled health workers,” he said.
He further noted the rising incidence of some neglected cancers in Nigeria, including colorectal cancer, childhood cancer, ovarian cancer, and hematological cancers.
Prof. Omonisi pointed out that the federal government has historically prioritised prostate, breast, and cervical cancers.
He urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to give serious attention to these neglected cancers in Nigeria.
