A Professor of Urological Surgery, Prof. Sulyman Kuranga, has emphasized the need for medical doctors to be prepared for leadership and managerial roles. He made this statement at the 10th Year Celebration of the Ilorin Emirates Medical Doctors' Group and its Annual General Meeting. Kuranga stressed that merely promoting doctors to leadership positions is not enough. He cited the need to bridge the leadership and management gap in Nigerian medicine.
According to Kuranga, Nigeria's health system is under strain, with 76 per cent of national expenditure borne directly by patients as out-of-pocket payment. He noted that the country's ecosystem has changed, but doctors' training has remained the same. The Consultant Urologist highlighted that there are currently 55,000 practicing doctors in Nigeria, a 16.9 per cent decline from 66,241 in 2024.
Kuranga pointed out that over 16,000 doctors have migrated between 2017 and 2023. He emphasized that doctors are being asked to lead various health organizations, including the NCDC, NHIA, NPHCDA, State Ministries of Health, Hospital Management boards, and teaching hospitals. However, management was never part of their curriculum.
The former Head of the Urology Unit at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital stated that the existing leadership gaps are costing the health system. These gaps have led to drug stockouts in hospitals, poor data, demotivated staff, and failed accreditation. Kuranga stressed that these issues need to be addressed urgently.
Kuranga identified three key gaps that need to be closed: the absence of a leadership curriculum, a career path for doctor-managers, and the perception that leadership is a distraction. He suggested incorporating leadership, health economies, and management modules into undergraduate medical education and residency programs.
Kuranga proposed pairing residents and young consultants with serving CMDs, Commissioners, and agency heads. He also recommended establishing structured qualifications, such as a diploma or fellowship in health leadership, and creating a Nigerian College of Medical Leadership. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to recognize, protect, and properly remunerate managerial roles.
The Ilorin Emirates Medical Doctors' Group has been serving the community for 10 years, attending to over 10,000 patients in their medical outreach programs. The group aims to serve, sacrifice, collaborate, and impact their community. Kuranga's call for doctors' preparation in leadership roles highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to healthcare management in Nigeria.
Key points
- Prof. Sulyman Kuranga calls for medical doctors to be prepared for leadership and managerial roles.
- Nigeria's health system is under strain, with 76 per cent of national expenditure borne directly by patients.
- Over 16,000 doctors have migrated from Nigeria between 2017 and 2023.
