Japan: Tinubu welcomes policy to retain medical professionals in Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has endorsed the National Health Worker Migration Policy to address the challenges facing Nigerian health workers.

The Joint Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in his X on Monday.

Pate said the plan is not just a response to the ongoing flow of health care professionals but a comprehensive plan to manage, utilize and reverse the migration of health workers.

Pate said, “This afternoon, HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, in-Council, adopted a landmark plan set to reform the public health system in Nigeria.

“The National Health Workforce Mobility Strategy addresses critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health resources. As the AU Champion for Workforce for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership , Mr. President’s commitment to a sustainable health care system is strongly reflected in this visionary policy.

“This plan is not just a response to the ongoing flow of health care professionals; is a comprehensive strategy for managing, implementing, and repatriating health workers. It suggests that there is an effective workforce that is well supported, adequately rewarded, and effectively utilized to meet the health needs of all Nigerians. ”

Many Nigerian health workers are leaving the country for greener pastures, leaving their colleagues to struggle with heavy workloads and extended call hours.

The driving factors, according to them, are inadequate resources, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and poor wage structure.

The minister noted that at the center of this vision is the Nigerian Human Health Resource Programme, which sets out a framework for regular monitoring of working conditions, to ensure that health workers, especially in rural areas and vulnerable areas, are get 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 an increasingly digital world, integrating advanced health technology is essential. This strategy focuses on digital health tools – including Electronic Medical Records, telehealth, and Registries comprehensive Health Workforce – marks an important step towards a data-driven health system. These proposals will streamline the delivery of health care and improve the equitable distribution of health workers well, to ensure access to quality care for all Nigerians.

“Capacity building is at the heart of this strategy. It recognizes the importance of continuous professional development, through strategic partnerships and international training opportunities to equip our healthcare professionals with advanced skills. This investment in people confirms our commitment to retain and strengthen our health workforce,” he said.

He added that the plan deals with the return and rehabilitation of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora.

He said that by creating simple registration procedures and providing attractive incentives, this policy not only encourages the return of skilled professionals but actively brings them back to the health system.

“This initiative leverages our diaspora experience to bridge the gaps in the health sector. Also, the policy facilitates mutually agreeable agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These agreements bilateral and multilateral are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and interests of our healthcare professionals.We call on host countries to implement a 1:1 match—to train one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker he receives.

“Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the plan includes provisions for regular health check-ups, mental health support, and reasonable working hours, especially for doctors small. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction.

“The governance of this policy will be managed by the National Workforce for Health Program within @Fmohnigeria, in collaboration with state governments. This ensures responsible implementation and compliance with the objectives of sector-wide health.

“With this decisive action, the National Health Workforce Mobility Plan is aimed at securing the future of Nigeria’s health system. Under the leadership of Mr. President, this plan will continue to strengthen transformation of our health sector, to ensure access to health care for all Nigerians. As we embark on this journey, all stakeholders are invited to participate in building a health system that reflects potential and promise of our country,” Pate noted.