President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a National Health Workforce Policy to transform Nigeria’s healthcare and reintegrate diaspora professionals to the healthcare sector.
The newly established National Policy on Health Workforce Migration which was announced in a press release by Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, states that the policy aims to address the critical issues surrounding the migration of healthcare professionals and build a resilient and well-supported workforce.
“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is a comprehensive strategy to manage and reverse the migration of healthcare professionals. It aims to create a robust healthcare system where workers are well-supported and adequately rewarded,’’ said the Minister.
About the National Health Workforce Policy
This policy is 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. Key aspects of the policy include:
Nigeria human health resource program– The policy introduces the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which will ensure regular reviews of working conditions for health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. This initiative aims to enhance job satisfaction and retain top talent within the country.
“By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth, we hope to retain our best talents and ensure they are well-recognized,” Pate added.
Advancing health technologies- A significant aspect of the policy is its focus on integrating advanced health technologies, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth services, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry.
“This policy marks a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system,” Pate emphasized.
Capacity building– Capacity building is another core component of the policy, which supports continuous professional development through international training opportunities and strategic partnerships.
“Investing in our healthcare professionals is crucial for maintaining and improving our health sector,” Pate remarked.
Encouraging diaspora return– The policy also aims encourage Nigerian healthcare professionals living abroad to return to the country. It describes how the policy will simplify the registration process and offer incentives to make returning more attractive. The goal is to reintegrate these professionals into Nigeria’s healthcare system to address existing gaps.
“We are keen to leverage the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within our health system,” the Minister said.
Reciprocal agreements– This is the policy’s strategy to establish agreements with other countries regarding the exchange of healthcare professionals. It explains that these agreements will protect Nigeria’s interests while ensuring that the rights of healthcare workers are respected. The proposed 1:1 match for training aims to balance the exchange and benefit Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
“These agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights of our healthcare professionals,” Pate explained.
Supportive work environment– Recognizing the need for a supportive work environment, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors.
“Creating a supportive work environment is essential for reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction,” Pate concluded.
What you should know
Nairametrics reported that the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, revealed a significant shortfall in the state’s medical workforce. According to Abayomi, Lagos State is currently deficient by approximately 30,000 medical doctors necessary to meet its healthcare needs.
The Deputy Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Victor Kolawole, revealed that only 58,000 out of the 130,000 registered doctors in Nigeria renewed their annual practice license in 2023.
This shortfall indicates a significant gap in medical personnel that could impact the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in the country.
Central to this vision is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions.
The policy also emphasizes integrating advanced health technologies. It focuses on developing digital health infrastructure, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth services, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry. These innovations are expected to streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the equitable distribution of health workers.
“We are taking a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system,” Pate noted.
Additionally, the policy addresses the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora by simplifying registration processes and providing attractive incentives.
“We are keen to leverage the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within our health sector,” Minister Pate remarked.
The policy also promotes reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These agreements aim to protect national interests while respecting the rights of healthcare professionals, including a proposed 1:1 match for training.
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes 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,” Pate added.
As the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, President Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing the healthcare system is clearly demonstrated in this forward-looking policy.
Central to the policy is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Program, which will facilitate regular reviews of working conditions. This program aims to ensure that healthcare workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve. “Our goal is to foster an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, helping to retain top talent within Nigeria,” said President Tinubu.
In an era of increasing digitalization, the policy emphasizes the integration of advanced health technologies. It focuses on developing digital health infrastructure, including Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth services, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry. These innovations are expected to streamline healthcare delivery and enhance equitable access to care across the country.
Capacity building remains a key focus of the policy. It supports continuous professional development through strategic partnerships and international training opportunities. This investment in human capital reflects Nigeria’s commitment to empowering and retaining its healthcare professionals.
The policy also addresses the reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora by simplifying registration processes and offering attractive incentives. “We are keen to leverage the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within our health sector,” President Tinubu remarked.
Furthermore, the policy promotes reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria. These agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights of healthcare professionals, including a proposed 1:1 match for training.
Recognizing the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes measures for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, particularly for younger doctors. These provisions aim to reduce burnout and enhance job satisfaction.
The National Human Resources for Health Program (#NHRHP) will oversee the implementation of this policy in collaboration with state governments. This governance structure ensures alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.
With this policy, Nigeria is set to advance its healthcare system significantly, ensuring quality care for all citizens. President Tinubu calls on all stakeholders to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects the nation’s potential and promise.
