FG Takes Action to Combat Health Worker Brain Drain in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken decisive action to address the growing concern of health worker brain drain, commonly referred to as the “Japa Syndrome.”

With a new Executive Order issued by President Bola Tinubu, the government aims to retain skilled healthcare professionals and improve the overall health sector in the country.

Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, announced that health workers seeking greener pastures abroad must now resign from their current positions before embarking on such journeys.

This policy aims to prevent a situation where professionals continue to be on the payroll while working and earning elsewhere.

In addition to the ban on leave of absence for health workers relocating abroad, the government has also initiated aggressive recruitment of manpower in the health sector.

The annual enrollment of Nurses has been increased from 28,000 to 68,000, with plans to further increase it to 120,000 by the end of the year.

This massive expansion also includes the recruitment of Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacists.

President Tinubu has acknowledged the importance of the people as the country’s most valuable asset and has vowed to take proactive measures to improve the health sector for their benefit.

However, the government has not prohibited anyone from moving to the UK or Australia to pursue better opportunities.

The shortage of manpower in the health sector has been a pressing issue, and the government is now addressing it through massive recruitment efforts.

However, the challenge of professionals applying for leave of absence to work abroad while still on the government payroll has been a significant concern.

The new policy aims to resolve this issue by requiring professionals to resign their appointments before moving abroad.

Dr. Paul Agboola, Provost and Chief Medical Director of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Aro, commended the Minister for his dedication to improving the health sector and announced that the hospital had embarked on several new projects, including a 40-bed mother-and-child hospital.

The hospital remains committed to providing quality healthcare services and becoming a center of excellence in neuro-psychiatric care.

The Nigerian government’s recent actions to combat the Japa Syndrome and improve the health sector demonstrate their commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the country’s healthcare system.

Through aggressive recruitment, increased funding, and infrastructural development, the government aims to retain skilled professionals and provide better healthcare services for its citizens.