President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, a significant move to tackle the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s health sector.
Announced by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, the policy seeks to manage and reverse the migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria.
Prof. Pate highlighted that this policy is not just a response to the “Japa” phenomenon but a comprehensive strategy to reform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria. He emphasized that the policy reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to creating a resilient and robust healthcare system.
A key aspect of the policy is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which aims to regularly assess and improve the working conditions of health workers, especially those in rural and underserved areas.
The policy also focuses on enhancing digital health infrastructure, including the implementation of Electronic Medical Records, telehealth, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry.
Additionally, the policy prioritizes capacity building through continuous professional development and international training opportunities for Nigerian healthcare professionals. It also addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora, offering streamlined registration processes and incentives to encourage their return.
Furthermore, the policy advocates for reciprocal agreements with other countries to ensure Nigeria benefits from the exchange of health workers. It also includes provisions for work-life balance, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours for younger doctors.
The implementation of the policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme within the Federal Ministry of Health, in collaboration with state governments. Prof. Pate concluded by stating that this policy is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system, under the leadership of President Tinubu.
