President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, a strategic move aimed at curbing the ongoing exodus of Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals to foreign countries.
The policy, announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, on his X handle on Tuesday, seeks to address the challenges posed by the migration of Nigerian-trained doctors, particularly to the United Kingdom.
Prof. Pate highlighted the significant impact of this migration, noting that 67 percent of Nigerian-trained doctors are currently practicing in the UK. He emphasised that the recruitment of Nigerian professionals by foreign countries imposes a strain on Nigeria’s healthcare system, and urged these countries to take responsibility by helping to expand training opportunities in Nigeria.
“The UK relies heavily on Nigerian doctors, with 67 percent of our doctors moving there. If Nigerians were to hold back, the NHS would struggle to provide services,” Pate stated during an appearance on Channels TV on Tuesday evening.
The newly approved policy is more than just a response to the brain drain; it is a comprehensive strategy designed to manage, harness, and eventually reverse the migration of health workers. The policy envisions a thriving healthcare workforce in Nigeria that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and effectively utilised to meet the nation’s healthcare needs.
In announcing the policy, Pate underscored its significance, saying, “This is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration.”
Healthcare workers have responded cautiously, expressing optimism about the policy’s potential benefits but also calling for clarity on the details and implementation plan.
Central to the policy is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, particularly for health workers in rural and underserved areas. The policy aims to foster an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, retaining top talent within Nigeria.
The policy also emphasises the integration of advanced health technologies, including electronic medical records and telehealth, as part of a broader effort to create a more efficient and data-driven health system. These innovations are expected to streamline healthcare delivery and ensure the equitable distribution of health workers across the country.
Capacity building is another key focus, with the policy promoting continuous professional development through strategic partnerships and opportunities for international training. This investment in human capital is intended to empower Nigeria’s healthcare workforce and retain its best talents.
Additionally, the policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora. By establishing streamlined registration processes and offering attractive incentives, the government hopes to encourage the return of skilled professionals and reintegrate them into Nigeria’s health system.
The policy also calls for reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These agreements would require foreign countries to train one health worker for every publicly trained Nigerian worker they recruit.
Recognising the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors, in an effort to reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction.
The governance of the policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme, in collaboration with state governments, ensuring responsible implementation and alignment with broader health sector objectives.
Prof. Pate concluded by calling on all stakeholders to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects Nigeria’s potential and promise, emphasizing that the policy’s implementation would begin immediately.
Tashikalmah Hallah, Senior Adviser on Media and External Relations, further explained that the government is negotiating with countries where Nigerian healthcare workers migrate, seeking their support in improving Nigeria’s health training facilities. The policy allows healthcare workers to travel abroad for training and return to apply their new skills in Nigeria.
“The Federal Government has expanded our admission quota and improved medical institutions. We are encouraging countries where our health workers go to assist us in maintaining these institutions,” Hallah said.
He added that the implementation of the policy has taken effect immediately, as it was adopted by the Federal Executive Council on Monday. The policy is binding on healthcare workers and includes provisions for them to return to Nigeria after completing overseas training programs, such as the recent request by Qatar for 10 Nigerian doctors to study oncology.
