New Policy Aims to Reverse Health Workforce Migration
Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, announced that the newly approved National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to bring back Nigerian healthcare professionals from around the world.
The policy, recently endorsed by the Federal Government, aims to address the ongoing trend of Nigerian doctors and other healthcare workers leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. According to Pate, the policy reflects the government’s dedication to improving healthcare human resources and was approved by President Bola Tinubu during a Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.
“This policy is designed to manage, harness, and reverse the migration of health workers,” Pate stated. “It envisions a robust healthcare workforce that is well-supported, fairly compensated, and effectively utilized to meet the needs of Nigerians.”
Key aspects of the policy include streamlined registration processes and enticing incentives to encourage healthcare professionals to return and reintegrate into Nigeria’s health system. It also includes reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the migration of health workers benefits Nigeria while respecting their rights.
The policy also emphasizes work-life balance by providing regular health checks, mental health support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors, to reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction.
Pate highlighted that Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses are highly sought after globally, with 67% of them working in the UK. He pointed out that if these professionals were to leave the UK National Health Service (NHS), it would face significant challenges.
“There is a need for health diplomacy and ethical recruitment practices,” Pate said. “We should explore agreements with countries that recruit our professionals to also help us expand our training capacity.”
Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Director of the Department of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the policy aims to balance the needs of Nigeria’s healthcare system with the aspirations of its professionals. He noted that the policy would enhance healthcare delivery, improve outcomes, and secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce.
Data shows a significant trend in the migration of Nigerian healthcare workers. For example, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 doctors requested letters of good standing to work abroad, with many heading to the UK. Similarly, a substantial number of nurses and midwives, medical laboratory professionals, and pharmacists are also migrating.
This migration, driven by factors such as inadequate equipment, worsening security, and poor working conditions, has led to a shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. The new policy aims to address these issues by creating a more supportive environment for healthcare workers and encouraging their return to the country.
The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration represents a proactive step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring that Nigeria’s healthcare system is robust and capable of meeting the needs of its population.
