President Bola Tinubu has approved a national policy on the migration of health personnel to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s health workforce.
The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Care, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on his X handle on Monday.
Pate said the policy is not just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare workers, but a comprehensive strategy to manage, leverage and reverse the movement of healthcare workers.
Pate said: “This afternoon, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Council GCFR @officialABAT approved a landmark policy that will transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria.
“The National Policy on Migration of Health Workers addresses the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health workforce. As the AU Champion of Health Workforce and Regional Health Delivery Partnerships, The President’s commitment is strongly reflected in this forward-looking policy.
“This policy is not just a response to the ongoing exodus of health workers. It is a comprehensive strategy to manage, leverage and reverse the migration of health workers. We envision a thriving workforce that is well-supported, well-compensated, and optimally utilized to meet healthcare needs.”
Many of Nigeria’s health workers have left the country in search of greener pastures, leaving their colleagues grappling with additional workloads and extended call times.
They say the push factors are inadequate facilities, worsening security, poor working conditions and poor pay structures.
The minister said that central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Resources and Health Program, which sets out a framework for periodic reviews of working conditions, particularly for health workers in rural and underserved areas. He said that the aim is to ensure that employees receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
“This policy aims to retain talented human resources within Nigeria by fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability.
“In an increasingly digital world, the integration of advanced health technologies is essential. These innovations represent an important step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system. These innovations will streamline health care delivery, strengthen the equitable distribution of health workers, and ensure quality access for all Nigerians. You will be able to receive high quality care.
“Capacity building is at the heart of this policy. We recognize the importance of continuous professional development through strategic partnerships and international training opportunities to equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. “This human capital investment underscores our commitment to retaining and empowering our healthcare workforce,” he said.
He added that the policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian medical professionals from the diaspora.
He said the policy will not only encourage the return of talented professionals by establishing a streamlined registration process and offer attractive incentives, but will also actively reintegrate them into the health system. He said it was a thing.
“This approach leverages the expertise of the diaspora to fill gaps within the health sector. The policy also aims to leverage the expertise of the diaspora to fill gaps within the health sector. These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of healthcare workers. , requires host countries to implement one-to-one matching, training one worker for every publicly trained Nigerian worker.
“Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for regular medical examinations, mental health support and reasonable working hours, especially for young doctors. These measures include: The aim is to create a supportive work environment, reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.
“The governance of this policy will be overseen by the National Health Workforce Program within @Fmohnigeria in collaboration with state governments. This will ensure responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.
“With this decisive action, the National Policy on Migration of Health Workers will secure the future of Nigeria’s health system. Under the leadership of the President, this policy will further accelerate the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector and ensure that all As we embark on this journey, all stakeholders are called upon to contribute to building a health system that reflects our country’s potential and promise. “Pate said.
