As part of an effort to bridge the manpower shortage in the health sector due to the “Japa’” syndrome, the Federal Government has recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses and Community Health Extension Workers in the last six months.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, revealed this on Wednesday in Abuja.
Pate spoke at the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information.
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.
Recall that reports gathered as at the end of 2023 showed that over 1,400 Nigerian resident doctors moved to the United Kingdom and United States in search of greener pastures (Japa Syndrome), resulting in a low doctor-population ratio in Nigeria.
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria also stated that nine out of every 10 medical and dental consultants were leaving the country, lamenting poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions, and economic conditions as the reasons for their move.
However, Pate assured that President Bola Tinubu had made remarkable strides in enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality, adding that the government has prioritised the revitalisation of primary healthcare facilities, and ensuring they are adequately equipped and staffed to provide essential services to communities.
His words: “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.
“The achievements we have recorded signal progress and improvements.
“To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition.
“An additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities.
“This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.
“The FG will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022.
“This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.”
