The Federal Government has taken a significant step to address the growing issue of healthcare professionals leaving Nigeria by approving a new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration. The policy, approved on August 12, 2024, aims to manage, harness, and potentially reverse the migration of healthcare workers from the country.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Ali Pate, who highlighted that the policy is more than just a reaction to the current exodus of healthcare professionals. Instead, it represents a comprehensive strategy designed to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system. The policy was endorsed by President Bola Tinubu during a Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is a forward-thinking strategy that envisions a robust healthcare workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized,” Pate said. He added that the policy seeks to encourage the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals who have left for opportunities abroad.
One of the central goals of the policy is to create incentives that attract skilled Nigerian health professionals back to the country. To achieve this, the policy includes measures to streamline registration processes and provide various incentives to facilitate their return and integration into Nigeria’s health system.
Pate explained that the policy will also establish reciprocal agreements with other countries to ensure that the exchange of healthcare workers is mutually beneficial. These agreements will require that for every Nigerian-trained healthcare worker that leaves the country, the receiving country must train a replacement, thus maintaining a balance.
The policy also addresses the work environment for healthcare workers in Nigeria. It includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. These measures are intended to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction among healthcare professionals.
In addition to improving working conditions, the policy emphasizes the importance of continuous professional development. It includes initiatives for international training and strategic partnerships to equip Nigerian healthcare workers with advanced skills and knowledge.
The policy also highlights the need for integrating advanced health technologies into Nigeria’s healthcare system. It focuses on the development of digital health infrastructure, such as Electronic Medical Records and telehealth services. This digital shift aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare delivery and ensure a more equitable distribution of health workers across the country.
Pate pointed out that capacity building is at the heart of the policy. By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria and bridge gaps in the healthcare sector.
The implementation of the policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme, in collaboration with state governments. This governance structure is designed to ensure that the policy is effectively executed and aligned with broader health sector objectives.
Pate emphasized that the new policy is a critical step in securing the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system. “With this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration will catalyse the transformation of our health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.