‘Japa Is Draining Nigeria’s Health Sector’ — Lady Pharmacists Raise Alarm Over Brain Drain, Fake Drugs, Poor Hospitals

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is facing deepening pressure as pharmacists warn that the mass migration of medical professionals, poor hospital infrastructure and the spread of fake drugs are pushing the system closer to crisis point.

The concerns were raised by Mnena Scholastica Lan ahead of the 17th Biennial Conference of the Association of Lady Pharmacists scheduled to hold in Enugu from May 11 to 16.

Lan said the growing “Japa” trend among pharmacists and other healthcare workers has become one of the biggest threats to healthcare delivery in Nigeria, especially as many young professionals continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

“The Japa syndrome has affected lady pharmacists very seriously,” she said.

“The young graduates do not have patience for Nigeria anymore. They are frustrated by poor working conditions, poor remuneration, and lack of opportunities.”

According to her, many pharmacy graduates struggle to secure internship placements, national service postings and stable employment despite years of training and sacrifice.

She added that several experienced female pharmacists, including former leaders within the association across different states, have already relocated overseas.

“We have lost quite a number of vibrant lady pharmacists across different states. They are leaving because they want value for their expertise and time,” she stated.

Beyond workforce shortages, Lan also raised concerns about the rising circulation of fake drugs, increasing substance abuse and deteriorating public healthcare facilities across the country.

She described conditions in some Nigerian hospitals as alarming, recalling a personal experience at Lagos University Teaching Hospital where patients reportedly had intravenous drips tied to window shutters due to a shortage of basic medical equipment.

“At a point in the oncology wing, there was no drip stand,” she said.

According to Lan, Nigerian healthcare professionals are adequately trained but remain limited by inadequate infrastructure, outdated equipment and poor government investment in the health sector.

“There is no miracle healthcare personnel can perform without equipment,” she stressed.

The upcoming conference, themed “Women and Resilience: Sustaining Health and Wellness in Challenging Times,” is expected to feature discussions on mental health, artificial intelligence in healthcare, medicine security, wealth creation and strategies to tackle substance abuse.