The Nigerian Cancer Society warns of a severe shortage of oncologists, with one doctor attending to over 1,800 cancer patients due to mass emigration. Poor pay, inadequate infrastructure, and insecurity are driving healthcare workers abroad, worsening cancer care. Experts urge the government to address the crisis and invest in oncology services.
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has raised concerns over the worsening doctor-to-patient ratio in the country’s oncology sector, attributing the crisis to the mass exodus of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Emmanuel Omonisi, revealed that Nigeria currently has one radiation and clinical oncologist attending to approximately 1,800 cancer patients—a stark contrast to the recommended ratio of 1:250-500. This shortage has resulted in overwhelming queues at oncology clinics nationwide, delaying critical diagnoses and treatments.
According to Prof. Omonisi, poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, rising insecurity, and insufficient healthcare funding are the main factors pushing skilled medical professionals, including radiation oncologists, pathologists, and oncology nurses, to migrate.
He appealed to the federal government to urgently address these issues, warning that the continued departure of healthcare workers could lead to a further decline in cancer care services. He also highlighted the increasing prevalence of neglected cancers in Nigeria, such as colorectal, ovarian, childhood, and hematological cancers, which require greater attention beyond the usual focus on prostate, breast, and cervical cancers.
Prof. Omonisi urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to adopt policies aimed at improving working conditions for healthcare professionals and increasing investments in cancer treatment facilities to curb the impact of the Japa syndrome on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
