Over 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria, says Health Minister
More than 16,000 Nigerian doctors have left the country in the last seven years, according to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate.
He said the doctors moved to other countries for better pay, better working conditions, and stronger training systems.
Nurses and midwives have also been leaving, making it even harder for people in Nigeria to get the care they need.
Professor Pate explained that Nigeria now has only about four doctors for every 10,000 people, which is far below what the World Health Organisation recommends.
According to him, it costs more than $21,000 to train just one doctor, meaning the country is losing not just skilled workers but also a lot of money.
He spoke at a meeting in Abuja attended by health leaders from across Africa. The event focused on how to improve healthcare systems and keep workers in their home countries.
Professor Pate said the government is not trying to stop people from going abroad, but it wants to make sure that health workers still feel valued and supported at home.
He further indicated government plans to keep doctors and nurses in Nigeria, including better training, data systems, and fair deals with countries that hire Nigerian health workers.
He also said African countries must come together to find better ways to manage the problem instead of waiting for help from other parts of the world.
“This is not just about people leaving,” Pate was quoted by Punch. “It’s about making sure the people who stay can still care for our communities.”
The meeting in Abuja was the first of its kind held in Nigeria and was hosted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
