President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, a significant move aimed at addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector due to the mass exodus of medical professionals. This policy, announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, is designed to manage, harness, and reverse the migration of health workers from Nigeria.
The policy is not just a reaction to the ongoing “Japa” trend, where healthcare professionals leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, but a comprehensive strategy to retain talent within the country. It includes measures to improve working conditions, especially in rural and underserved areas, ensuring that health workers are well-supported and adequately rewarded.
Key components of the policy include the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which will regularly review working conditions, and the integration of advanced digital health technologies such as Electronic Medical Records and telehealth. These innovations aim to enhance healthcare delivery and ensure equitable distribution of health workers.
The policy also focuses on continuous professional development, with opportunities for international training to equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. Additionally, it addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora, with streamlined registration processes and incentives to encourage their return.
Moreover, the policy advocates for reciprocal agreements with other nations, ensuring that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. It also includes provisions for work-life balance, such as routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours for younger doctors.
The governance of the policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme, in collaboration with state governments, ensuring its effective implementation and alignment with broader health objectives.
This initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians, and securing the future of the nation’s health sector.
