President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, aimed at addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s health human resources. This initiative seeks to curb the exodus of healthcare professionals and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday. He emphasized that the policy goes beyond merely responding to the ongoing migration of healthcare workers; it represents a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and ultimately reverse this trend.
Prof. Pate stated, “This afternoon, HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in-Council, approved a landmark policy set to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria. The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration addresses the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health human resources. As the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, Mr. President’s commitment to a resilient and robust healthcare system is powerfully reflected in this forward-looking policy.”
The policy aims to build a thriving healthcare workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians. It addresses the root causes that drive many Nigerian healthcare workers to seek opportunities abroad, such as inadequate equipment, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and unsatisfactory salary structures.
Central to the policy is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which establishes a framework for regular reviews of working conditions. This ensures that health workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria.
In the digital age, the policy also emphasizes integrating advanced health technologies. It focuses on digital health infrastructure, including Electronic Medical Records, telehealth, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry. These innovations are expected to streamline healthcare delivery and improve the equitable distribution of health workers, ensuring all Nigerians have access to quality care.
Capacity building is a key component of the policy, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development. Through strategic partnerships and international training opportunities, the policy seeks to equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills, underscoring the commitment to retaining and empowering the healthcare workforce.
Additionally, the policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the diaspora. By establishing streamlined registration processes and offering attractive incentives, the policy encourages the return of talented professionals and actively reintegrates them into the health system. It leverages the expertise of the diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector and champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria.
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reduce burnout, and enhance job satisfaction.
The governance of this policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme in collaboration with state governments, ensuring responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.
With this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Under President Tinubu’s leadership, this policy will catalyze the transformation of the health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians. Prof. Pate called on all stakeholders to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects the nation’s potential and promise.
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