President Bola Tinubu has proposed a groundbreaking national initiative aimed at stemming the outflow of health professionals from Nigeria.
In a recent announcement on X, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister for health and social welfare, unveiled the details of this comprehensive policy, which seeks to manage and ultimately reverse the trend of healthcare worker migration.
The exodus of Nigerian healthcare workers in search of better opportunities abroad has led to an increased burden on those who choose to stay, exacerbating already challenging working conditions. Key factors driving this migration include insufficient equipment, escalating insecurity, subpar working environments, and inadequate salaries.
Pate stated, “This afternoon, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, in-Council, has approved a transformative policy aimed at revolutionizing the management of healthcare human resources in Nigeria.”
He continued, “The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration tackles the pressing challenges faced by Nigeria’s health sector. As the African Union Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, President Tinubu’s dedication to establishing a resilient healthcare system shines through this progressive policy.”
According to Pate, this initiative is not merely a reaction to the ongoing flight of healthcare professionals; it is a strategic blueprint designed to effectively manage, support, and retain health workers within the country.
The objective is to create a workforce that is well-equipped, fairly compensated, and efficiently utilized to address the healthcare demands of all Nigerians.
At the core of this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which provides a framework for ongoing assessments of working conditions, particularly for health workers in rural and underserved regions, ensuring they receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.
“By cultivating a professional atmosphere conducive to growth and stability, this policy aims to keep top-tier talent in Nigeria,” he added.
In an age increasingly influenced by digital advancements, the integration of modern health technologies is deemed essential. The policy emphasizes the development of digital health infrastructure, including Electronic Medical Records, telehealth services, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry—key components in building a more efficient, data-centric health system. These innovations promise to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure that quality care is accessible to all Nigerians.
Moreover, the policy places a significant focus on capacity building, acknowledging the necessity of ongoing professional development through strategic partnerships and international training opportunities to equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. This commitment to human capital development reflects the government’s dedication to empowering its healthcare workforce.
Pate also highlighted that the policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals currently abroad.
