Brain Drain: FG Recruits 2,497 Doctors, Others In Six Months

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, said that a total number of 2,497 health care workers including doctors, midwives, nurses, and community health extension workers has been recruited by the federal government in the last six months to bridge the manpower shortage in the health sector.

Prof Pate disclosed this at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja.

The briefing series was initiated to provide a platform for public officials to reel out their achievements and apprise Nigerians of the challenges of governance.

Nigeria, with a low doctor-population ratio, is experiencing a massive exodus of physicians, as at the end of 2023, 1,417 resident doctors moved to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria also stated that nine of every 10 medical and dental consultants were leaving the country, citing poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions, and economic conditions as reasons for the mass exodus.

Pate, however, said President Bola Tinubu had made remarkable strides in enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality.

He noted that the government has prioritised the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities, and ensured they were adequately equipped and staffed to provide essential services to communities.

The minister said: “Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, we have expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.

“As a result of our efforts, we have recorded an increase in the proportion of women who attend antenatal care.

‘’Over 550,000 women now attend their first antenatal care and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.