Join Us to Fill Existing Vacancies for Medical Doctors, Dr. Fagbemi Charges Oyo NMA

Dr. Akin Fagbemi, Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board, has called on the state chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to collaborate proactively with the government to fill the many vacant positions for medical doctors in Oyo State’s health system. According to him, the issue of doctor shortage is national, but the state is determined to make measurable progress.

Dr. Fagbemi addressed journalists and medical professionals recently, reiterating that Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has already approved immediate recruitment of consultants, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to boost service delivery across state hospitals. He emphasised that the government seeks the input and assistance of the NMA to help identify qualified practitioners and streamline their deployment to areas with the greatest need.

According to the Chairman, the current drive aims to ensure that essential health facilities are adequately staffed to serve rural and urban communities alike. He acknowledged that some of the conditions exacerbating the shortage include doctors moving for postgraduate training or migrating abroad, but affirmed that Oyo State is working to retain talent through improved working conditions and incentives.

Dr. Fagbemi also noted that several facilities—especially in rural and semi-urban local government areas—are being upgraded and will require skilled medical professionals to operate at full capacity. He stated that recruitment will not be a one-off activity but part of a sustained human-resource plan, including partnerships for training, mentorship, and service-deployment.

With the NMA’s cooperation, he issued a joint call to Nigerian doctors—those currently active and fresh graduates—to consider Oyo State’s opportunities, pointing to a clear policy and mission to strengthen healthcare delivery. He pledged that all recruitment exercises would be transparent and merit-based, and encouraged medical associations and practitioners to monitor implementation.