Nigeria unveils Policy to address health workforce challenges

NIGERIA—The Nigerian government has unveiled a strategic policy aimed at addressing the significant workforce challenges within the health sector. 

The initiative, titled the “National Policy on Health Workforce Migration,” is designed to confront the critical issues affecting the country’s health and human resources by managing, harnessing, and reversing the migration of healthcare professionals.

This announcement was made by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Muhammad Pate on his X account, following the policy approval by HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is set to revamp Nigeria’s healthcare human resources management.

This revelation follows a recent interview with Channels TV, in which Professor Pate revealed that Nigeria has been grappling with a severe shortage of doctors, with only 55,000 licensed doctors serving a population of over 200 million.

He also noted that 16,000 doctors have left the country in the past five years, and 17,000 have been transferred.

The minister expressed deep concern about the mass exodus of healthcare professionals and other skilled workers seeking better opportunities abroad, leaving Nigeria with a critically low number of professionals to manage its healthcare system.

He highlighted that the country currently has approximately 300,000 health professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, to serve the entire population.

 He explained that this policy was crafted in response to the ongoing brain drain in the healthcare sector, which has seen many health workers leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

A key component of this policy is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which the minister highlighted as a framework for regularly reviewing working conditions.

This program is set to ensure that healthcare workers, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.

Minister Pate further stated that the policy aims to create an environment conducive to professional development and stability, ultimately seeking to retain top talent within the country.

Incorporating modern health technologies is another critical aspect of the policy, particularly in a world increasingly dominated by digital advancements.

The minister underscored the importance of digital health infrastructure, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry.

These advancements are seen as a major milestone in moving towards a more efficient and data-driven healthcare system.

According to Minister Pate, these technologies will streamline healthcare delivery, promote equitable distribution of health workers, and ensure that all Nigerians have access to quality care.

Capacity building is also a cornerstone of the policy, with a strong focus on continuous professional development through strategic partnerships and international training programs.

This approach is intended to equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills, thereby demonstrating a commitment to retaining and empowering the workforce.

Furthermore, the policy will facilitate the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from abroad by simplifying registration processes and offering attractive incentives.

This initiative is expected to leverage the expertise of these returning professionals to address gaps in the health sector and strengthen the overall healthcare system.

The policy also emphasizes the importance of bilateral and multilateral agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria.

 Minister Pate stressed that these agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of healthcare professionals.

 Additionally, recognising the critical 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.

These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reduce burnout, and enhance job satisfaction.

The National Human Resources for Health Programme will oversee the implementation of the policy in collaboration with state governments, ensuring that it is executed responsibly and aligned with broader health objectives.

Minister Pate expressed confidence that this decisive action would secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, catalyse transformation, and guarantee access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians under the President’s leadership.