By Seyi Babalola
President Bola Tinubu has approved a new national strategy addressing the rise in health workforce migration.
On Monday, Ali Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare, issued a statement confirming this. The minister described the proposal as a comprehensive approach for managing, harnessing, and reversing health worker migration.
He added that the policy will also encourage the return of professionals to Nigeria through attractive incentives and reintegrate them into the nation’s health system.
The statement reads part, “This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector.
“Also, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria.
“These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals.
“We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match — training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.”
The minister said the policy acknowledges the importance of work-life balance and has included 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 said.
