In a bid to tackle the growing trend of health workforce migration, President Bola Tinubu has approved a comprehensive national policy aimed at managing, harnessing, and reversing the brain drain in the health sector.
According to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, the policy seeks to encourage the return of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora through attractive incentives and reintegrate them into the nation’s health system.
The policy also proposes reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure a mutually beneficial exchange of health workers, while protecting Nigeria’s national interests and respecting the rights of healthcare professionals.
Additionally, the policy prioritizes work-life balance, with provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors, to create a supportive work environment and reduce burnout.
The move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the country’s healthcare challenges and retaining its skilled health workers.