P resident Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to address the ongoing exodus of Nigerian-trained doctors abroad. Announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the policy aims to attract approximately 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors who are currently practicing overseas, with a significant percentage working in the United Kingdom.
Pate highlighted that 67% of Nigerian-trained doctors are based in the UK, which is experiencing a heavy reliance on these professionals. The policy, Pate explained, is designed to be a comprehensive strategy to manage and potentially reverse the migration of health workers by improving domestic conditions and offering incentives for professionals to remain in or return to Nigeria.
Key Aspects of the Policy:
Enhanced Working Conditions and Rewards: The policy aims to improve the working environment for health workers, particularly in underserved areas. This includes ensuring better recognition, rewards, and opportunities for professional growth.
Digital Health Infrastructure: The policy focuses on integrating advanced health technologies such as electronic medical records and telehealth to streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the distribution of health workers.
Capacity Building: Continuous professional development and international training opportunities are central to the policy. The Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme will oversee the regular review of working conditions and ensure support for health professionals.
Return and Reintegration of Diaspora Professionals: The policy includes provisions to encourage the return of Nigerian health professionals from abroad and actively reintegrate them into the local healthcare system. This will involve streamlined registration processes and attractive incentives.
Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements: The policy advocates for reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the migration of health workers benefits Nigeria. This includes a proposed 1:1 match system, where training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker recruited abroad.
Work-Life Balance: The policy includes measures for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours to reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction.
Reactions and Concerns:
Healthcare workers have expressed cautious optimism about the policy but are calling for detailed information on its implementation. Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, President of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, emphasized the need to review the policy document to understand its practical implications fully.
The Secretary of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Lagos State Council, Toba Odumosu, supported the 1:1 training match concept but also stressed the importance of further details to understand how the policy will be executed and how it will impact the rights of healthcare workers.
Challenges and Context:
The policy comes amid long-standing issues in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including inadequate equipment, worsening security, and poor working conditions. Despite significant investments and various promises over the years, Nigeria’s refineries and healthcare systems have faced numerous setbacks. The policy is seen as a critical step towards improving the situation and retaining skilled professionals within the country.
International Context:
As of early 2024, Nigerian-trained doctors are among the largest groups of foreign-trained professionals in the UK, with over 12,000 licensed to practice. Additionally, approximately 13,656 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives are working in the UK, reflecting the significant contribution of Nigerian health professionals to global healthcare systems.
Conclusion:
The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration represents a significant effort by the Nigerian government to address the critical issue of health worker migration. While the policy has been met with a mix of support and skepticism, it is viewed as a necessary step towards improving the healthcare system and retaining talent within Nigeria.
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