Army moves to curb brain drain in medical corps
The Nigerian Army has stepped up efforts to address brain drain and manpower shortage in its medical corps through improved welfare, recruitment, and expanded training programmes. The Acting Commander, Nigerian
- By Halimah Balogun
The Nigerian Army has stepped up efforts to address brain drain and manpower shortage in its medical corps through improved welfare, recruitment, and expanded training programmes.
The Acting Commander, Nigerian Army Medical Corps, Brigadier General Innocent Enwuchola, disclosed this at the first quarter conference of medical officers and field commanders held at Bonny Camp, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Themed “Optimising Nigerian Army Resources for Excellent Healthcare Delivery within a Joint Environment,” the conference brought together field commanders to deliberate on challenges facing the corps and explore strategies for strengthening its capacity.
He noted that the corps has sustained efforts in capacity building across individual, institutional, and systemic levels, noting that development is being driven through personnel training, hospital upgrades, and broader structural reforms.
He attributed ongoing improvements to the support of the Chief of Army Staff, particularly in manpower, infrastructure, and medical equipment.
He described brain drain as a major concern, linking it largely to poor remuneration, and added that a better working environment would further encourage personnel to remain in service.
According to him, a committee set up during the last Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference in December is reviewing the salaries of doctors, nurses, and other paramedics with a view to improving retention.
“The brain drain primarily is because people are running away for better pay. Once that is enhanced, our people will stay,” he said.
Brig Gen. Enwuchola acknowledged existing gaps in the corps, including a low number of consultants and limited emergency preparedness in some facilities, but said steps were being taken to address the deficiencies through targeted reforms and improved monitoring and evaluation systems.
He added that the corps is exploring new initiatives to boost performance and motivation, including the creation of an annual award system to recognise outstanding personnel, as well as increased collaboration with other medical institutions for training and research.
He noted an increase in the number of medical personnel following recent recruitment exercises and reiterated the corps’ commitment to training, with several doctors undergoing residency programmes and others being released for postgraduate studies.
He added that the corps would adopt key recommendations aimed at improving service delivery, including the development of a clear mission statement, standardisation of medical equipment, and the publication of a comprehensive medical policy within a short timeframe.
Enwuchola stressed that the conference was designed to develop a structured roadmap for the corps, with short, medium, and long-term plans focused on improving medical readiness, strengthening infrastructure, and building a more resilient and self-sustaining system.
He noted that the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery within the military, driven by evolving operational realities and emerging health threats, makes it imperative for the corps to remain proactive and adaptable.
In his lecture, retired Maj.-Gen. Ikechukwu Okeke highlighted brain drain and the shortage of personnel as critical challenges and called for sustained investment in training and structured professional development.
He also stressed the need to strengthen specialised areas such as intensive care and biomedical engineering, while expanding opportunities for personnel to acquire advanced skills.
