The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced plans to engage the federal government in discussions about the incentives outlined in the national policy on health workforce migration.
NMA President, Bala Audu, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, noting that the current policy lacks detailed information on the proposed incentives for healthcare workers.
“For most healthcare providers, the most important incentive is an improved take-home salary,” Audu stated. “They need something substantial to support their well-being, their dependents, and their children’s education.” Audu stressed that the NMA intends to seek clarification from the government regarding the specifics and scope of these incentives.
He also highlighted the issue of security, citing recent kidnappings of medical workers, and called on the federal government to prioritize the safety of healthcare providers. “Insecurity is a major concern, as it contributes to the reasons why healthcare workers leave the country,” he noted. “While insecurity is a widespread issue in Nigeria, ensuring workplace security is crucial. There are ongoing cases involving the kidnapping of doctors and other healthcare workers, some of which occurred within workplace premises.”
Audu called for improvements in the workplace environment, focusing on both security and providing necessary conditions to enhance productivity among healthcare workers.
“Enhancing the work environment, by improving security and providing comfort, is essential to enable healthcare providers to perform at their best.” He assured that the NMA would engage in constructive dialogue with the government to ensure the policy is effectively implemented.
“We are not worried about the policy itself, but our concern lies in its implementation. If we follow through with what the policy promises, I believe we can improve the current situation,” Audu concluded, adding that effective implementation could help retain health workers in Nigeria and attract those who have migrated abroad.
