“JAPADA”: How Nigeria’s New Health Policy Aims to Reverse the Exodus of Doctors from the Diaspora
Nigeria has long struggled with the brain drain of its healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, who seek better opportunities abroad.
However, with the recent approval of the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, the government is taking a significant step towards reversing this trend.
The policy, championed by President Bola Tinubu and coordinated by Prof Muhammad Pate, aims to bring back Nigerian doctors from the diaspora and address the challenges facing the country’s healthcare system.
The policy is a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration.
It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilized to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians. By establishing streamlined registration processes and providing attractive incentives, the policy encourages the return of talented professionals and actively reintegrates them into the health system.
Key Features
One of the key features of the policy is its focus on health diplomacy and promoting ethical recruitment practices. The government recognizes that Nigerian doctors and nurses are sought-after globally, with 67% of them working in the United Kingdom. The policy aims to establish reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. This includes a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker received.
The policy also acknowledges the importance of work-life balance, providing provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.
The impact of the brain drain on Nigeria’s healthcare system has been significant. Over 75% of health workers trained in the last year have left the country for other countries as economic migrants. The policy recognizes that collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the health and prosperity of all Nigerians are essential to addressing this challenge.
Data collected from regulatory bodies indicate the magnitude and trend of migration of different cadres of health workers. Medical doctors, nurses, and midwives are among the most impacted categories, with the United Kingdom being the destination for 68% of Nigeria’s medical and dental professionals who migrated out of Nigeria.
The policy has been hailed by medical experts as a forward-looking strategy that seeks to strike a balance between the needs of the healthcare system and the aspirations of healthcare professionals.
They contend that by implementing a holistic set of interventions to develop regular and managed migration systems, the policy will further strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, improve health outcomes, and secure the future of the nation’s healthcare workforce.
Right Incentives
As Nigeria embarks on this new policy, the government has been tasked to stay committed to creating an environment that supports and rewards its healthcare professionals.
“With the right incentives and support, Nigerian doctors from the diaspora can return home and contribute to the country’s healthcare system.” Tayo Ogundeji, a medical practitioner affirmed.
“The policy is welcomed because it is a significant step towards reversing the brain drain and ensuring that Nigeria’s healthcare system is equipped to meet the needs of its citizens.” He added.
