According to Pate, the policy is a comprehensive approach to control, harness, and reverse health worker migration rather than only a reaction to the continuous outflow of medical personnel.
“HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, in-council, approved a historic policy set to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria this afternoon,” stated Pate.
The Health Workforce National Policy Migration tackles the major issues that Nigeria’s human resources are experiencing. This forward-thinking strategy amply demonstrates Mr. President’s dedication to a strong and resilient healthcare system as the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.
This program is a comprehensive approach to regulating, harnessing, and reversing health worker migration; it is not only a reaction to the ongoing flight of healthcare workers. The vision entails a flourishing labor force that receives sufficient assistance, just compensation, and optimal use to fulfill the healthcare requirements of every Nigerian.
Many Nigerian healthcare professionals migrate abroad in search of better opportunities, leaving their colleagues to deal with increased workloads and longer call shifts.
The Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which establishes a framework for routine reviews of working conditions and guarantees that health workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve, is central to this vision, the minister noted. The push factors, in their words, are inadequate equipment, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and a poor salary structure.
The Nigerian government is implementing a policy aimed at retaining top healthcare professionals by fostering a conducive environment for professional growth. The policy focuses on digital health infrastructure, including electronic medical records, telehealth, and a health workforce registry, aiming to streamline healthcare delivery and ensure quality care for all Nigerians. It also encourages the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora.
Nigeria’s National Policy on Health Workforce Migration aims to bridge health sector gaps and promote reciprocal agreements with other nations. The policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. The National Human Resources for Health Programme will oversee the policy, ensuring responsible implementation and alignment with sector-wide health objectives. Under President Pate’s leadership, the policy will catalyze the transformation of Nigeria’s health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
