Nigeria has faced a long-standing challenge with the emigration of its healthcare professionals, especially doctors, who pursue better prospects overseas.
Nevertheless, the government has taken a crucial step towards mitigating this issue with the recent endorsement of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration led by President Bola Tinubu and coordinated by Prof Muhammad Pate, this policy seeks to attract Nigerian doctors back from abroad and tackle the obstacles confronting the nation’s healthcare system.
The policy offers a holistic approach to managing, utilizing, and reversing the migration of health workers.
The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration envisions a thriving healthcare workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.
To achieve this, the policy establishes streamlined registration processes and offers attractive incentives to encourage the return of talented healthcare professionals and their reintegration into the health system.
Key features of the policy include:
• Health diplomacy and promoting ethical recruitment practices.
• Reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure mutual benefits in the exchange of health workers.
• A 1:1 match training program to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker received.
• Provisions for work-life balance, including routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours.
The policy recognizes the significant impact of brain drain on Nigeria’s healthcare system, with over 75% of health workers trained in the last year leaving the country as economic migrants.
To address this challenge, the policy emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the health and prosperity of all Nigerians.
Data from regulatory bodies highlights the magnitude and trend of migration among different cadres of health workers, with medical doctors, nurses, and midwives being the most affected.
The policy aims to strike a balance between the needs of the healthcare system and the aspirations of healthcare professionals, ensuring a holistic approach to developing regular and managed migration systems.
Medical experts have hailed the policy as a forward-looking strategy that will strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes, and secure the future of the nation’s healthcare workforce.
As Nigeria embarks on this new policy, the government has been tasked to stay committed to creating an environment that supports and rewards its healthcare professionals.
“With the right incentives and support, Nigerian doctors from the diaspora can return home and contribute to the country’s healthcare system.” Tayo Ogundeji, a medical practitioner affirmed.
“The policy is welcomed because it is a significant step towards reversing the brain drain and ensuring that Nigeria’s healthcare system is equipped to meet the needs of its citizens.” He added.
