Several stakeholders in the healthcare sector believe that the recently approved National Policy on Health Workforce Migration by President Bola Tinubu will help decrease the ongoing departure of Nigerian health workers abroad, a phenomenon commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome.”
The doctors view the new policy as a positive advancement toward revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system and enhancing health outcomes if it is effectively executed.
On Monday, President Tinubu approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to tackle the persistent outflow of Nigerian health workers to foreign countries.
This policy, which was announced by Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, on his X account on Tuesday, aims to attract approximately 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors currently practicing overseas.
Pate indicated that the policy signed by the President is not merely a reaction to the current trend of health professional migration but a thorough approach to managing, leveraging, and potentially reversing this situation.
Responding to the initiative, NAIJATRAFFIC Learnt that various stakeholders are hopeful that the new policy will alleviate the detrimental effects of the “japa syndrome,” which has significantly disrupted hospital services nationwide.
Dr. Isaiah Abali, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Abia State, remarked that the policy could serve as a deterrent to the migration trend among healthcare workers.
Abali praised the President’s commitment to improving the health sector in the country, expressing optimism that the new policy could discourage health professionals from leaving for other countries.
He also commended Tinubu for taking decisive action to change the current narrative within the healthcare system, provided the strategies outlined in the policy effectively address the sector’s needs.
He stated, “ “It is a positive development because our health is paramount. If we sit idly and allow the sector to deteriorate, we could reach a point where even those not directly involved in healthcare seek to leave the country because they can’t access adequate care anymore.
“They would seek better living conditions abroad, which would negatively impact the country, as a healthy nation is a prosperous nation. I appreciate the President for this initiative.
“However, while I commend him, the real challenge lies in implementing the policy. We need to assess how it will be executed following this approval.
“Once the policy document is available, I may have additional comments. It’s important to recognise that financial incentives alone are insufficient; a supportive and positive working environment is also essential.”
Numerous Nigerian healthcare professionals are departing the country in search of better opportunities, leaving their colleagues to bear increased workloads and extended hours.
The driving factors for this exodus include inadequate equipment, worsening security conditions, poor working environments, and unsatisfactory salary structures.
Additionally, Dr. John Onyebueze, a former President of the National Association of Resident Doctors, stated that the policy by itself may not deter health workers from leaving if it does not address fundamental issues such as insecurity, subpar working conditions, and economic instability.
Onyebueze mentioned that he has not yet reviewed the policy and would refrain from making extensive comments on it.
However, he remarked, “The key issue is for the government to implement the policy effectively. We have often seen the government introduce paper policies only executed on newspaper pages but never implemented in reality.
“Moreover, Nigerians have shown incredible resilience and belief in the potential of this country. Despite poor working conditions, many were willing to stay and contribute.
“However, when insecurity became a significant factor, it prompted a substantial increase in the number of people seeking opportunities abroad.”
“You can finish a discussion with a colleague, only to hear moments later that the person has been kidnapped. Insecurity is a major factor driving people away. Without addressing the security challenge, and working environment among others, the policy alone won’t be enough to make Nigerians stay.”
As of December 3, 2023, information provided by the General Medical Council in the UK revealed that 12,198 doctors who had received their training in Nigeria were authorized to practice in the UK.
Additionally, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria stated that a minimum of 281 Nigerian doctors had secured employment across various African countries, with Sudan having 153, South Africa 41, and modest figures in nations like Egypt, Ghana, and Uganda.
According to the most recent data from the Nursing and Midwifery Council until March 31, 2024, a total of 13,656 nurses and midwives who had been trained in Nigeria were actively working in the United Kingdom.
The report also highlighted that Nigeria was prominently positioned among the leading non-UK nations for medical education, reflecting a significant 28.3% surge in the number of Nigerian nurses and midwives practicing in the UK in the past year.
At the time of the report, other major non-UK countries contributing to medical education included India (62,413), the Philippines (49,092), Romania (7,378), and Ghana (5,536).
