By Esther Ososanya
Medical doctors in Ogun State have urged the state government to grant tax rebates for those working in government hospitals to help stop the ongoing brain drain.
Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun chapter, made this appeal on Tuesday at a press conference that took place at the NMA secretariat in Abeokuta.
It marked the start of the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), running from August 3rd to 9th. The theme is “Leveraging On Technology To Drive Medical Practice In The Era Of Dwindling Medical Personnel”.
Ogunjimi stressed that high tax deductions from doctors’ salaries discourage many from staying. Although the government has increased doctors’ pay to match their federal counterparts, the tax burden remains heavy.
He warned that this situation could push more doctors to leave the state.
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“It took more than 16 months of agitation to get the government to pay doctors at par with federal workers,” Ogunjimi explained. “However, we now face a new challenge: the high tax deductions from our salaries.
“We ask the government to grant us tax rebates, as other states have done for healthcare workers. We accept paying taxes, but what is taken from our pay is too much. This issue discourages doctors who want to stay and work.”
The association also reaffirmed its dedication to improving doctors’ welfare. They believe better conditions will boost productivity and inspire doctors to continue serving humanity.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
