Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated that Nigerian medical professionals who are employed overseas, including doctors, nurses, health officials and some that have been successful are prepared to return home as long as the necessary infrastructure is in place.
A large number of medical professionals have made the decision to serve their country by staying in Nigeria, even if there are opportunities to relocate abroad where they may be certain of higher wages and benefits.
Pate said the ‘Japa’ migration phenomenon, has resulted in the departure of thousands of young health workers from Nigeria in recent years. Approximately 300,000 health professionals across all specialties, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, are employed in Nigeria at the moment.
Nigeria has over 55,000 licensed medical professionals, but their numbers are insufficient, the government has lost around 15,000 doctors in the previous five years, he added, it is dedicated to growing its training program to fill the void.
“There are also thousands having the option to travel abroad but choose not to travel, and we do appreciate them, while some go to get trainings abroad with the expectation that the will come back better skilled and contribute at home,” the speaker stated. Every effort is being made by the government to create an environment that encourages health professionals to continue practicing from home, according to the health minister.
The country’s health workers are currently receiving higher wages thanks to continuous efforts by the National Salaries Incomes and Wages Commission Wages as well.