To transform the country’s healthcare landscape, the Nigerian government has introduced a policy aimed at addressing the workforce challenges facing the health sector.
The new initiative, called the “National Policy on Migration of Health Personnel,” aims to address “critical challenges facing the country’s health human resources, with the goal of managing, leveraging, and reversing the migration of health professionals.”
Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate revealed this on his X account on Monday evening, noting that the policy is aimed at stemming the exodus of health professionals.
He wrote: “This policy is more than a response to the ongoing exodus of health professionals; it is a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness and reverse the migration of health workers. It envisions a thriving workforce that is well supported, adequately remunerated and optimally utilized to meet the health care needs of all Nigerians.”
The Minister also stated that an important aspect of the vision lies in the Nigeria Human Health Resources Programme, which he said provides a framework for periodic reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, particularly in rural and marginalized areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
He said he would create an environment that fosters professional development and stability, adding that the policy seeks to retain the best talent within Nigeria.
Policy details
According to the minister, as the world becomes increasingly digital, it is critical to incorporate cutting-edge healthcare technologies for healthcare management. The policy’s emphasis on digital healthcare infrastructure, including electronic medical records (EMR), telehealth and a comprehensive healthcare workforce registry, represents an important milestone towards a more efficient and data-driven healthcare system.
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Mr. Pate said these technological advancements will streamline the delivery of health services, promote fair distribution of health workers and ensure access to quality care for all Nigerians.
“Capacity development is a cornerstone of the policy, focusing on ongoing professional development through strategic partnerships and international training to equip health professionals with cutting-edge skills, thereby demonstrating a commitment to workforce retention and empowerment,” the Minister noted.
He further said the policy will facilitate the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from abroad by streamlining registration processes and offering attractive incentives, leveraging their expertise to fill gaps in the health sector and strengthening the health care system.
Call to action
He said: “Furthermore, the policy advocates for reciprocal arrangements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These bilateral and multilateral arrangements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our health professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement 1:1 matching – training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.
“Recognising the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental wellbeing support and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a conducive working environment, reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.”
The Minister said the National Human Resources for Health Programme will oversee the implementation of the policy in collaboration with state governments, ensuring accountable execution and alignment with broader health objectives, noting that decisive action will secure the future of Nigeria’s health system, catalysing transformation and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians under the leadership of the President.
He called on stakeholders to help build a world-class healthcare system for Nigeria.
“As we embark on this journey, all stakeholders are invited to contribute to building a health care system that reflects the potential and promise of our nation,” he said.
Exodus of health workers
Professor Pate recently revealed that the country is facing a severe shortage of doctors, with only 55,000 licensed physicians to serve a population of more than 200 million.
The minister, during an interview with Canales TV, explained that in the last five years 16 thousand doctors have left the country and 17 thousand have been transferred.
He expressed concern over the mass exodus of health professionals and other skilled workers seeking better opportunities abroad, leaving Nigeria with minimal professionals to manage the health system.
He added that the country has approximately 300,000 health professionals, including doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.