In a bid to tackle the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, revealed that the Federal Government has recently recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), over the past six months.
Prof. Pate made this announcement during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja.
The recruitment drive comes amidst a concerning trend of medical professionals leaving the country, with factors such as poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate facilities, and economic conditions contributing to the exodus. Notably, in 2023 alone, 1,417 resident doctors relocated to the United Kingdom and the United States of America, according to reports by Govima .
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria further highlighted that nine out of every 10 medical and dental consultants were departing from Nigeria.
However, Prof. Pate underscored President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality in Nigeria.
The government’s focus on revitalizing primary healthcare facilities has been emphasized, ensuring they are adequately equipped and staffed to deliver essential services to communities across the country.
Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, the government has expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, resulting in improved health outcomes and a reduction in preventable diseases.
Notably, over 550,000 women now attend their first antenatal care, equipped with the necessary information and care to enhance pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
The recruitment of 2,497 healthcare professionals aims to bridge existing gaps due to attrition, while an additional 1,400 health facilities have been equipped with Skilled Birth Attendants, leading to a significant increase in the number of facility-based deliveries, reaching up to 230,000 deliveries per month.
Furthermore, Prof. Pate announced that the Federal Government will release N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a substantial increase from the previous allocation of N25 billion in 2022. This infusion of funds is expected to rejuvenate primary healthcare facilities, ensuring quality care is accessible to all citizens across the country.
