President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, a bill aiming to address the challenges facing the country’s health workforce, the Punch reported.
Prof Muhammad Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare announced this on Monday via his X account.
Pate said the policy is not just a response to the current exodus of healthcare workers from Nigeria but a plan to manage, leverage and reverse the migration trend.
He said “Today, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, @officialABAT, in-Council has approved a policy to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria.
“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration tackles the big issues in Nigeria’s healthcare workforce. As the African Union’s Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, President Tinubu’s commitment to a strong and sustainable healthcare system is clear in this policy.
“This is not just a response to the current exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a plan to manage, leverage and reverse health worker migration. It’s to build a workforce that is well supported, fairly paid and fully utilised to serve Nigerians.”
Many Nigerian healthcare professionals are leaving for better opportunities and their colleagues are left to do more work and longer shifts.
The reasons, according to them, are lack of equipment, rising insecurity, poor working conditions and low salaries.
At the heart of it is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme which provides a framework for regular assessment of working conditions to ensure healthcare workers especially those in rural and hard to reach areas get the recognition and rewards they deserve.
“The policy aims to create an environment that promotes professional growth and stability so we can retain the best brains in Nigeria.”
“In this digital age, integration of advanced health technologies is key. The policy’s focus on digital health infrastructure such as Electronic Medical Records, telehealth and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry is a major step towards a more efficient data driven health system. These innovations will simplify healthcare delivery and promote equitable distribution of health workers so that all Nigerians have access to quality care.
“The policy is capacity building oriented, recognising the need for continuous professional development through strategic partnerships and international training opportunities to equip healthcare professionals with latest skills. This investment in human capital is to retain and empower our healthcare workforce” he said.
Additionally, the policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from abroad. Bysimplifying the registration process and offering attractive incentives, this policy will bring back skilled professionals and re-integrate them into the health system.
“This utilises the expertise of our diaspora to fill gaps in the health sector. Also, the policy advocates for bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries so that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These agreements will protect our national interest while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We expect receiving countries to implement 1:1, train one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.”
“Knowing the importance of work-life balance, the policy has provisions for routine health checks, mental health support and reasonable working hours especially for younger doctors. These will create a supportive work environment, reduce burnout and increase job satisfaction.
“The implementation of the policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme in collaboration with state governments to ensure it aligns with broader health sector goals.
“With this policy, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration will secure the future of Nigeria’s health system. Under President Tinubu, this policy will transform our health sector further and guarantee healthcare for all Nigerians. Join us in building a health system that reflects our nation’s greatness and promise,” Pate said.
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