West African doctors are urged by the college not to "japa."

Physicians in West African nations have been asked by the West African College of Physicians to remain and play a role in the advancement of the healthcare system rather than leaving.

This was said by Dr. Rose Macauley, the College's outgoing president, during the beginning of its 48th Annual General Scientific Meeting in Abuja on Monday.

In addition to inducting a few physicians as honorary fellows and College members, Macauley urged them to contribute to society, particularly in the medical field.

"Don't leave your nation; we want you to stay here. We want you to play your part in the growth of West Africa's health sector.

"As this is the College's value, we encourage ourselves to give back to our society and not to leave," she stated.

In order to put the health sector on the correct track, she asked the administration to put the suggested measures into practice.

"We have the authority to make suggestions to other administrations and urge them to carry them out. We are calling on the government to foster an atmosphere that is supportive, especially for our young physicians. They may practise and deter migration in this way, which is the only method to retain them in the nation.

According to Macauley, "this entails attending to their personal needs and making sure they have adequate equipment to enable them to practise their profession."

Dr. Mamadou Mourtalla, the College's president-elect, stressed that brain drain in the health sector is a significant issue, and every government needs to act swiftly to address it.

“The African continent has a large number of committed and educated doctors, and it is a serious problem for our young doctors to leave and give their service to countries that did not train them.
"But addressing their challenges so they can give their best is the best way to retain these young African doctors," he stated.