Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group

07/10/2025

Every week, more Nigerian doctors leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad. In 2023 alone, over 1,400 doctors moved to the UK, and that number keeps rising.
Many hospitals are now understaffed, forcing fewer hands to handle overwhelming patient loads. The result? Longer waiting times, burnt-out health workers, and struggling communities.
This isn’t just a headline. It’s a daily reality for patients and professionals across the country.

06/10/2025

Working conditions in Nigeria’s hospitals show the urgent need for reform

A young doctor in Abuja starts her shift. The ward is already full. Patients need care, but supplies are short. Salaries are delayed again. The pressure is constant.

Here are the facts. Nigeria has about 1 doctor for every 3,500 patients. The World Health Organization recommends 1 for every 600. In Jigawa State, the number is closer to 1 for 21,000. In Abuja, resident doctors went on strike in September 2025 over unpaid salaries and poor infrastructure. Earlier this year, doctors in FCT staged a warning strike after months of unpaid allowances.

This reality weighs heavily on doctors and patients alike. Doctors face burnout and moral injury. Patients wait longer and often receive incomplete care.

But there are solutions. Hospitals need reliable salary payments, better infrastructure, and enough staff to balance the workload. Clear promotion timelines and contract renewals would also ease the pressure.

When doctors can work with dignity, patients get the care they deserve. The health of Nigeria depends on it.

Join NPAG to advocate for change!

01/10/2025

We all from NPAG wish you a happy New month. Welcome to October.

01/10/2025

30/09/2025

Better Health Care, Greater Nation
Nigeria’s future depends on stronger hospitals and fair conditions for health workers

Every nation rises on the strength of its health system. In Nigeria, hospitals carry a heavy load with too few doctors and too many patients. The doctor to patient ratio is around 1 to 3,500 compared to the WHO’s 1 to 600. In some states, it stretches as far as 1 to 21,000.

This gap affects everyone. Patients face delays and limited care. Doctors work through exhaustion, unpaid salaries, and under-resourced hospitals. In September 2025, Abuja doctors went on strike over these exact issues, echoing similar actions earlier in the year.

Change is possible. Regular pay, better hospital infrastructure, and staffing reforms would ease the pressure. With the right investment, doctors can focus on saving lives rather than surviving poor conditions.

A stronger health system means stronger communities. And a healthier Nigeria is a greater Nigeria.

26/09/2025

📣 As you know, the Nigerian Physicians Advocacy Group (NPAG) offers our platform to political candidates so they can share their vision with our community.

In that spirit, we are pleased to highlight Dr. Heavenly Kimes—from Bravo TV’s Married to Medicine—who is now stepping into the political arena as a congressional candidate for Georgia’s 13th District.

🗓️ Fundraiser Event
Hosted by Dr. Heavenly Kimes & our very own Dr. Stanley Okoro
📍 Atlanta, GA
📅 Tuesday, September 30

This is an opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Kimes, not as a celebrity, but as a candidate deeply passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes for her community.

If you’re in Atlanta (or interested in supporting from afar), see the flyer for details.
💙 Can’t attend but still want to help? Contribute via her ActBlue link below.

👉 Please also email your donation receipt to info@npagroup.org so we can track and demonstrate the power of our community’s collective support.🎥 And stay tuned—NPAG will soon share a video interview with Dr. Kimes so you can learn more about who she is and what she stands for.

19/09/2025

Many doctors are still asking the same question

Do I really qualify to practice?

And it’s a fair question. For years, the path for foreign-trained doctors in the US has been filled with dead ends. Long waits, unclear rules, and constant rejection. So even when things start to change, it’s hard to believe it’s real

But the system is shifting. Quietly, but steadily. New laws in several states are opening medical pathways that no longer require a US residency. Medicaid work requirements are changing. Volunteer hours are being counted. And more states are verifying eligibility in new ways

This isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about finally recognizing skill, experience, and real-world need

If you're still unsure, if you’re still waiting for some official green light, consider this your sign to stop waiting

We’ll be breaking everything down this week — clearly, practically, and without the fluff

Tag a doctor who needs to see this. Or one who gave up too soon

The question mark is there for a reason. But now, we’re filling in the answer.

16/09/2025

🌍✨ Mark Your Calendar! ✨🌍
Join us for The Ubuntu Gala 🎉
🤝 NPAG Fundraising for the Future
🎊 ANPA Florida Celebrating 10 Years of Impact
A Night of Legacy & IMPACT — Together for Change!
📅 Friday, Dec 5, 2025
📌 Details coming soon!
Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” 💫

15/09/2025

The U.S. is rethinking how it licenses foreign-trained doctors — and for many, that’s long overdue.

For decades, international medical graduates (IMGs) with years of clinical experience have had to start over: repeating training, retaking exams, and waiting years just to serve again.

But now, multiple states are shifting.

They’re creating new licensing pathways that recognize existing experience, allow for provisional licenses, and remove the U.S. residency requirement in certain cases.

Here’s what’s changing:

✅ Some states now accept 4–10 years of foreign clinical experience
✅ Provisional licenses allow supervised practice while meeting requirements
✅ USMLE and ECFMG are still required in most programs
✅ Priority goes to doctors willing to serve in underserved communities

This is not just a trend — it’s a workforce strategy.
It’s about making room for global talent without lowering the bar.

We’re breaking down every law, every state, and every opportunity — so if you're a foreign-trained physician or healthcare leader, now’s the time to pay attention.

Save this post.
Follow us for weekly updates on IMG pathways and U.S. licensing reforms.

Sources: U.S. State Legislature reports (2023–2025)

09/09/2025

For years, many international doctors have watched and waited. Skilled, qualified, yet often sidelined because U.S. residency was required—until now.

Across 2025, several states have taken a brave leap forward: Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa now offer alternative licensing pathways that let experienced international doctors practice under supervision—without repeating residency. Illinois began approving applications this year.

These new laws opening up pathways aren’t just policy talking points. They’re life-changing doors for doctors like you. You can volunteer in community clinics, bridge care where it’s needed most, and simultaneously move forward in the licensing process—that’s real impact and real progress.

Serve your community, qualify under the new rules, and advance your medical career—today.

03/09/2025

Did you know that volunteer work now plays a role in your medical career?
Many states are recognizing volunteer service as part of the requirements for doctors. That means your hours spent providing free or low-cost care aren’t just good deeds. They can actually count toward licensing requirements.

This is huge for doctors who are just starting out or looking for more ways to gain experience. Instead of waiting on limited hospital slots, you can fill the gap by volunteering in clinics, community centers, or outreach programs.

Every hour you give doesn’t just impact lives. It also builds your record, strengthens your license eligibility, and moves you forward in your career.

Volunteer care isn’t just charity anymore. It’s a recognized step in building your future as a doctor.