*Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, states the objective of the new national policy is development of a thriving, well-supported, and adequately rewarded workforce to meet healthcare needs of Nigerians while providing incentives to attract skilled professionals back home to strengthen the country鈥檚 healthcare system

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Federal Government has said that recent approved of a new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is not a mere response to the apparent mass exodus of healthcare professionals from the West African country to the Western world but 鈥渁 comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration.鈥�

绿帽献妻 reports Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, who disclosed this in a statement via his verified X handle during the week, reiterated the Nigerian Government鈥檚 commitment to tackling the challenges surrounding healthcare human resources in the country.

It is noted that obvious brain drain in the health sector of the economy has seen several thousands of Nigerian health professionals leaving the country for greener pastures overseas in recent times.

The Minister noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presided over the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in which the FEC approved the new policy Monday, August 12, 2024, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

Pate said: 鈥淭his policy is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it鈥檚 a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration.

鈥淚t envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.鈥�

According to him, the objective of the new national policy is to encourage the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora.

The Minister explained the policy also aims to streamline registration processes and provide incentives to attract skilled professionals back to Nigeria, thereby strengthening the healthcare system.

Pate further stated: 鈥淏y establishing streamlined registration processes and providing attractive incentives, the policy not only encourages the return of our talented professionals but actively reintegrates them into our health system.

鈥淭his approach leverages the expertise of our Diaspora(ns) to bridge gaps within the health sector.

鈥淎lso, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria.鈥�

He noted: 鈥淭hese bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals.

鈥淲e call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match鈥攖raining one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.

Prof. added: 鈥淩ecognising the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors.

鈥淭hese measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.鈥�

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