In a significant move to address health workforce migration, President Bola Tinubu has approved a new national policy.
On Monday, Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, detailed how this policy serves as a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse the migration of health workers. It aims to attract professionals back to Nigeria with appealing incentives and facilitate their reintegration into the national health system.
“The policy leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector,” the statement reads.
Additionally, it advocates for reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers is advantageous for Nigeria.
“These agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals,” the minister explained.
He also called on recipient countries to adopt a 1:1 training replacement ratio, ensuring that for every Nigerian health worker they receive, they train one in return.
The policy recognizes the need for work-life balance, incorporating provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors.
“These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction,” Pate added.
The National Human Resources for Health Program (NHRHP), in collaboration with state governments, will oversee the policy’s implementation to ensure it aligns with broader health sector objectives.
