The Federal Government has initiated the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, according to a report by The PUNCH. This information was shared exclusively with our correspondent by Prof. Bala Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association. He highlighted that the government has introduced a housing scheme for healthcare workers nationwide as part of this policy’s implementation.
In August 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare workforce. Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that this policy is not merely a reaction to the current exodus of healthcare professionals but a comprehensive approach to manage, utilize, and reverse the migration of health workers.
Key points from the policy include the establishment of a special incentive program by the Federal and State Governments aimed at healthcare workers in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, the government, along with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, will implement special mortgage facilities to help healthcare workers acquire homes, vehicles, and other essential assets. Furthermore, the federal and state ministries of health, in partnership with the head of the civil service and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, will conduct regular reviews of healthcare workers’ salaries, benefits, pensions, and allowances.
Key points from the policy include the establishment of a special incentive program by the Federal and State Governments aimed at healthcare workers in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, the government, along with relevant ministries, departments, and agencies, will implement special mortgage facilities to help healthcare workers acquire homes, vehicles, and other essential assets. Furthermore, the federal and state ministries of health, in partnership with the head of the civil service and the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, will conduct regular reviews of healthcare workers’ salaries, benefits, pensions, and allowances.
Regarding the government’s recent efforts to address the health workforce crisis, Prof. Audu stated, “The biggest challenge we currently face in the health sector is the shortage of healthcare professionals due to the Japa syndrome.
The government has been proactive in addressing this issue by introducing two key solutions.
“The first is the health workforce retention policy, aimed at enhancing the welfare of healthcare professionals to encourage them to stay in the country. We are now starting to see this policy being put into action.
“One notable initiative is the establishment of the Renewed Hope Medical City, where healthcare workers—such as doctors and nurses—will have homes built for them at affordable mortgage rates, allowing them to pay over a period of 20 to 30 years.”
