In a significant move to address the pressing manpower shortage in the healthcare sector, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, announced on Wednesday that the Federal Government has successfully recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers within the past six months.
Prof. Pate made this revelation during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series organized by the Ministry of Information in Abuja. This initiative aims to provide a platform for public officials to highlight their achievements and inform Nigerians about the governance challenges being tackled.
Nigeria, grappling with a low doctor-population ratio, has witnessed a significant outflow of physicians in recent times. Reports indicate that by the end of 2023, 1,417 resident doctors had migrated to countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Additionally, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria revealed that nine out of every ten medical and dental consultants were leaving the country.
Various factors contribute to this mass exodus, including inadequate remuneration, escalating insecurity, limited diagnostic facilities, unfavorable working conditions, and challenging economic circumstances.
Despite these challenges, Prof. Pate emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has made notable strides in enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality. This recruitment drive is a testament to the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving healthcare services for all Nigerians.