Health Minister Ali Pate has revealed that Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses are highly sought after worldwide, with 67% working in the United Kingdom (UK). During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Pate discussed the new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration approved by President Bola Tinubu, aimed at addressing the ongoing exodus of health workers, a trend locally known as ‘Japa’.
Pate highlighted the global demand for Nigerian healthcare professionals, noting their significant presence in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). He emphasized that if Nigerian health workers were to withdraw from the NHS, the service would face considerable challenges.
The new policy focuses on health diplomacy and promoting ethical recruitment practices, urging recruiting countries to contribute to expanding training opportunities in Nigeria. Pate suggested that countries hiring Nigerian health workers should consider partnerships to enhance local training programs to mitigate the impact of migration.
Pate stated, “The recruitment countries should have responsibilities to help us expand training. The strain of health workers’ migration is continuous; it’s not going to stop tomorrow.” He proposed creating agreements that would ensure a balance between recruitment and the development of local training infrastructure.
He praised Nigerian health professionals for their vibrancy and capability, acknowledging that their absence would significantly affect the NHS’s ability to provide services. Pate also highlighted that over 75% of health workers trained in Nigeria in the past year have migrated abroad due to economic reasons.
While recognizing the right of health workers to move freely, Pate stressed the government’s commitment to creating an environment that encourages them to stay in Nigeria. The new policy includes incentives for medical workers, such as improved welfare packages and enhanced capacity development, along with a focus on maintaining a decent work environment with reasonable shift hours.
