In a significant move to stem the emigration of healthcare professionals, President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration. This initiative aims to address the ongoing flight of Nigerian doctors seeking opportunities abroad.
The policy was revealed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, who indicated that an estimated 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors are currently practicing outside the country, with a staggering 67 percent based in the United Kingdom.
Pate highlighted the urgency of the situation, suggesting that countries recruiting Nigerian medical professionals should contribute to enhancing Nigeria’s medical training infrastructure. “The continuous migration of health workers is a pressing issue that requires a collaborative approach to manage,” he stated.
He noted, “Nigeria’s vibrant healthcare professionals are essential, especially in the UK, where they form a crucial part of the NHS workforce. If they are deterred from moving, the UK healthcare system may face significant challenges.”
The newly approved policy outlines a strategic framework aimed at not only managing but also reversing the trend of health worker emigration. It seeks to create a supportive environment for healthcare professionals to thrive within Nigeria.
While the policy has been welcomed, healthcare workers have expressed the need for detailed implementation plans. Pate emphasized that the initiative is designed to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria, especially in light of the increasing pressure placed on remaining staff due to departures.
Key components of the policy include improved working conditions, professional development opportunities, and enhanced health technology infrastructure, such as electronic medical records and telehealth services. These efforts aim to create a more efficient and equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of all Nigerians.
The policy will also facilitate the return and reintegration of Nigerian healthcare professionals from the Diaspora by establishing streamlined registration processes and offering attractive incentives for them to return to Nigeria.
Furthermore, it champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the migration of health workers provides benefits back to Nigeria. This includes a proposed framework where countries employing Nigerian-trained healthcare workers would assist in funding the training of new professionals in Nigeria.
The policy aims to address work-life balance for healthcare workers, introducing provisions for mental well-being support and reasonable working hours to combat burnout and improve job satisfaction.
The governance of the policy will fall under the National Human Resources for Health Programme, ensuring responsible execution aligned with Nigeria’s broader health objectives.
Under this new policy, Nigeria is positioned to secure its healthcare future through strategic measures that promote retention, professional growth, and stability in the healthcare sector.
In a broader context, as of December 2023, 12,198 Nigerian-trained doctors were licensed to practice in the UK, alongside 281 working across various African nations. The trend reflects an ongoing challenge for Nigeria, where healthcare professionals frequently seek opportunities abroad due to factors such as inadequate facilities, worsening security, and unsatisfactory compensation.
As the policy takes effect immediately, stakeholders eagerly await further details to understand its implications and potential benefits for Nigeria’s healthcare ecosystem.
