President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to tackle the ongoing departure of Nigerian doctors abroad.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, announced this policy on his X handle, aiming to attract approximately 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors currently practicing overseas.
Pate emphasized that countries recruiting Nigerian professionals should assist in expanding training opportunities, as the migration of health workers continues to be a pressing issue. He noted that if Nigerian doctors refrain from working in the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) could face challenges in delivering services that many Nigerians rely on.
The policy represents more than a mere reaction to the exodus of healthcare professionals; it serves as a comprehensive strategy to manage and potentially reverse this trend. While healthcare workers expressed cautious optimism, they requested further details and an implementation plan.
Pate described the policy as a transformative measure for healthcare human resource management in Nigeria. It aims to address critical challenges within the health sector and reflects the President's commitment to a resilient healthcare system.
Many healthcare workers leave Nigeria for better opportunities, resulting in increased workloads for those who remain. Key factors driving this migration include inadequate equipment, worsening security, poor working conditions, and unsatisfactory salaries.
