Nigeria develops policy to reverse health workers’ exodus

President Bola Tinubu has approved a new policy to reverse the exodus of Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad.

Muhammad Pate, the minister of health and social welfare disclosed this on Monday, stating that the policy will achieve this through a combination of strategies, including overhauling working conditions in the healthcare systems and improved incentives.

The policy also provides streamlined registration processes to facilitate the reintegration of these skilled professionals, transforming healthcare human resource management in Nigeria.

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According to Pate, the national policy on health workforce migration envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.

“Central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria,” Pate stated in a post on X.

The policy will also focus on digital health infrastructure including electronic medical records (EMR), telehealth, and a comprehensive health workforce registry, which are seen as a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system.

These measures are expected to streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the equitable distribution of health workers, ensuring access to quality care for all Nigerians.

“Capacity building is at the heart of this policy. It recognises the importance of continuous professional development, with strategic partnerships and opportunities for international training to equip our healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills. This investment in human capital underscores our commitment to retaining and empowering our healthcare workforce.

“Also, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive,” Pate wrote.

The increasing migration of healthcare workers, especially early-career doctors and nurses has been crippling the Nigerian healthcare system, leaving many hospitals operating with a lean workforce.

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Just about 45 percent of registered doctors in Nigeria renewed their licence in 2023.

As of March 2024, approximately 300,000 health professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists were in active service.

Despite the size, only 55,000 licensed medical doctors out of the 90,000 registered doctors remain in Nigeria to cater to a population nearing 220 million.

The exodus of healthcare professionals worsens the workload for those who stay behind, resulting in a doctor-to-patient ratio of 2.5 per 10,000 individuals nationwide.

In regions like Lagos with a higher concentration of doctors, the ratio slightly improves to 3.17 doctors per 10,000 people based on a population estimate of 24 million by the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA).

Comparing these figures to World Health Organisation recommendations of one doctor for every 500 patients and one nurse for every 400 patients reveals significant shortfalls.

Data from the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives indicates that currently, only one nurse is available for every 1,660 Nigerians.

“Recognising 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. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.

The governance of this policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Program.

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“With this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Under Mr. President’s leadership, this policy will further catalyze the transformation of our health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

As we embark on this journey, all stakeholders are invited to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects our nation’s potential and promise,” Pate stated.