Northern Nigeria is going through a extreme scarcity of medical docs, with some states reporting a single physician attending to over 43,000 sufferers, placing immense stress on the healthcare system.
That is based on the SBM Well being Preparedness Index 2025, assessing the preparedness of Nigeria’s 36 states to answer well being emergencies and ship efficient healthcare companies
“Northern states like Bauchi, Zamfara, and Kebbi face a crippling scarcity, with a single physician accountable for over 43,000 sufferers. This excessive disparity highlights a important nationwide problem in healthcare entry and underscores the pressing want for methods to retain and redistribute the nation’s medical workforce,” the report said.
Ten States with probably the most sufferers per physician ratios:
These states face the best stress on their medical employees, with every physician serving the biggest variety of sufferers.
These states have probably the most favorable ratios, indicating higher entry to medical care and fewer affected person load per physician.
Based on the report, this development represents a extreme {economic} loss for the nation, as Nigeria primarily subsidises the coaching of medical professionals who contribute to the economies and well being techniques of wealthier nations.
Consultants warn that the mass migration of medical professionals is placing rural and concrete well being techniques in danger.
Based on the report, well being budgets throughout Nigeria reveal persistent imbalances in how states prioritise healthcare. Lagos leads in nominal allocations, dedicating over N221 billion to well being, whereas Kaduna tops in relative phrases, allocating 16.1% of its funds to the sector. Kano follows carefully with 15.2%, and Bauchi at 15.1%, reflecting stronger prioritisation of well being inside their fiscal plans.
On the different finish of the spectrum, some states allocate far much less. Akwa Ibom (4.3%), Bayelsa (4.1%), and Imo (3.5%) spend the least on well being, regardless of going through ongoing dangers from illness outbreaks and pure disasters.
When measured per capita, Abia (N22,926) and Ogun (N21,051) lead in spending, whereas Imo (N3,950) and Adamawa (N4,271) fall considerably behind, limiting entry to high quality care for his or her residents.
