The Nigerian government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at curbing the alarming exodus of healthcare professionals from the country. A new national policy on health workforce migration outlines a multi-pronged approach to retain existing talent and attract skilled Nigerians in the diaspora.
The policy, designed to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers, seeks to create a conducive environment for medical practitioners by improving infrastructure, enhancing working conditions, and offering financial incentives.
Mass Exodus of Healthcare Professionals
Nigeria has been grappling with a significant brain drain in the healthcare sector, with thousands of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals emigrating to countries with better working conditions and remuneration. The United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada have emerged as top destinations for Nigerian healthcare workers.
Data from regulatory bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), and Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) reveal a disturbing trend of healthcare professionals seeking greener pastures abroad.
For instance, over 3,000 medical doctors applied for letters of good standing from the MDCN in 2022 alone, with the majority heading to the United Kingdom. Similarly, the number of nurses and midwives seeking to emigrate has surged, placing immense pressure on the already strained healthcare system.
Breakdown
Medical Doctors: Over 3,000 physicians requested letters of good standing from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in 2022 alone, with the United Kingdom being the primary destination.
Nurses and Midwives: The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) witnessed a surge in emigration requests, with the United Kingdom and the United States as top destinations.
Medical Laboratory Scientists: The Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) reported a significant increase in emigration in 2021 and 2022.
Pharmacists: While the overall number of pharmacists emigrating through the Professional Council of Nigeria (PCN) has not fluctuated dramatically, Canada emerged as a preferred destination in 2022.
Physiotherapists: The Medical Rehabilitation Therapists Board of Nigeria (MRTBN) experienced a record-breaking number of emigration requests in 2022, with the United Kingdom as the primary destination.
Government’s Response
In response to this crisis, the government has introduced a package of incentives aimed at retaining healthcare professionals and encouraging their return. These include:
Financial Incentives: The creation of special credit facilities and tax holidays for healthcare workers and investors in the health sector.
Improved Working Conditions: Provision of adequate equipment, supplies, and infrastructure to create a conducive work environment.
Salary Review: Regular review of healthcare workers’ salaries, benefits, and allowances to ensure competitive remuneration.
Capacity Building: Investing in local training institutions and providing opportunities for professional development.
Incentives for Rural Service: Special incentives for healthcare workers serving in underserved areas.
Addressing the Root Causes
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate acknowledged the challenges posed by healthcare workforce migration but emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing the needs of healthcare professionals with the provision of quality services to Nigerians.
“We don’t expect it to disappear overnight, but how can we as a government balance these two competing priorities?” Pate said.
“Half of 17,000 doctors trained in the last five years have left. This policy aims to retain them while making it easier for those who have gone to return.”
The government’s strategy also involves addressing the underlying factors that drive healthcare professionals to seek opportunities abroad. By improving the overall healthcare system and creating a more supportive environment, the policy aims to reduce the push factors that compel healthcare workers to leave the country.
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If You Ask Me
While the government’s initiatives are a step in the right direction, implementing these policies effectively will require sustained commitment and investment. Addressing the deep-rooted issues within the healthcare sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, poor remuneration, and insecurity, will be crucial to stemming the brain drain.
Furthermore, the government must collaborate with the private sector to create more job opportunities in the healthcare industry. Attracting foreign investment in the sector can also help to improve healthcare infrastructure and services.
The success of the government’s plan to retain healthcare professionals will depend on its ability to deliver on its promises and create a sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of the Nigerian people.
However the unanswered question would be, if all the government provision for health care workers pull through, would it be sustainable and enough especially as the nation’s economy continues on a downward slope?
