Nigerian doctors are enthusiastic about the new workforce migration policy, which promises enhanced opportunities and support for medical professionals.
The Health Workforce Migration (HWM) Policy, recently introduced by Nigeria’s Federal Government to encourage healthcare professionals’ retention in the country through a range of incentives, has received endorsement from medical doctors.
On Friday, during an Abuja interview session, Prof. Bala Audu – the President of Nigerian Medical Association praised certain aspects of the policy for its emphasis on capacity development and healthcare personnel rewards.
He observed that although the policy refers to incentives, it doesn’t provide specific information regarding the type of rewards.
According to Prof. Audu, numerous healthcare professionals are primarily motivated by the prospect of higher earnings that can augment their income at home. He further added that adequate remuneration plays a vital role as it empowers them to support their loved ones and guarantee access to quality education for their children.
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The necessity for the government to accurately outline and enforce these rewards was accentuated by Prof. Audu, as it would alleviate apprehensions of numerous healthcare workers.
He expressed appreciation for the policy’s focus on capacity building, affirming that better training infrastructure would elevate the standard of healthcare delivered in both domestic and global contexts.
The significance of addressing security concerns in the medical field was emphasized by the NMA President as it has been a leading cause for healthcare workers to consider seeking employment opportunities overseas. He stated that insecurity, particularly within workplaces, is a major problem and cited situations where doctors and other providers have been kidnapped on their premises as examples that indicate an immediate need for enhanced security measures.
According to Prof. Audu, the NMA will collaborate positively with the government in order to guarantee successful implementation of the policy. Furthermore, he stated that their primary focus is not on the policy per se but rather on its execution and if carried out properly.it has potential to greatly enhance current circumstances.”
He conveyed hope that with its proper implementation, the policy had potential not only to retain Nigeria’s health workforce but also entice those who have left for foreign lands in pursuit of better prospects.
President Bola Tinubu has recently given his approval to the HWM Policy, which aims at tackling Nigeria’s shortage of healthcare workers. The skilled health worker density in the country currently stands at 1.83 per 1000 people- a figure way below WHO recommended levels; hence this policy is designed to counteract migrations of medical professionals and guarantee that there will be an adequately motivated workforce available.
It is anticipated that the policy’s extensive plan will establish an equitable migration system which advantages Nigeria and host nations, leading to better healthcare provision throughout all tiers of the medical infrastructure.
