The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria by employing more health professionals and engaging with Nigerian medical practitioners in the diaspora. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this on Friday during his inspection tour of federal healthcare facilities in Ogun State.
Speaking during the tour, which included visits to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, and the Federal Medical Centre, Idi Aba, Abeokuta, Salako emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring quality healthcare services for all Nigerians. He acknowledged the pressing challenge of brain drain in the health sector, often referred to as the “Japa Syndrome,” where Nigerian healthcare professionals migrate abroad in search of better opportunities.
Expanding Capacity and Recruiting More Health Workers
In response to the shortage of healthcare personnel, Salako announced that the government has received a waiver from President Tinubu to recruit more health workers than any other sector. This initiative aims to bridge the existing manpower gap in the healthcare industry and improve service delivery across the nation.
“We are expanding our capacity to train health workers, and we are also engaging with Nigerian health professionals in the diaspora. We are fostering a robust partnership with Nigerian doctors and healthcare experts in the UK, US, and Ireland. Although they may not be physically present in Nigeria, we can still leverage their expertise and contributions to enhance the health sector,” Salako stated.
The minister further explained that the recruitment drive would not only address the immediate need for more healthcare workers but also ensure a long-term strategy to sustain quality healthcare services nationwide.
Addressing Mental Health and Strengthening Collaboration
During his visit to the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Salako underscored the importance of mental health and called on state governments to domesticate the Mental Health Act. He noted that increasing access to mental health services at the state level would provide essential support to individuals struggling with psychological challenges.
Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, echoed Salako’s sentiments, assuring that the state would adopt the Mental Health Act. “We are going to domesticate the act because it’s one of our commitments to the people. With the pressures of society, more individuals face mental health challenges, and it is our duty to ensure they receive adequate care and support,” Coker stated.
She further highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Ogun State government and the Federal Government, particularly in primary healthcare development and upgrading medical facilities.
Hospital Leadership Welcomes Government Initiatives
Dr. Paul Agboola, Provost and Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, expressed his appreciation for the minister’s visit and welcomed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare services. He reiterated the hospital’s readiness to collaborate with the state government in implementing the Mental Health Act, thereby improving mental healthcare accessibility for Ogun State residents.
“It’s a great joy for us that the minister is visiting the hospital. We seek collaboration from the Ministry of Health on implementing the Mental Health Act. I have spoken with the Commissioner for Health, and she is prepared for its domestication,” Agboola stated.
A Step Towards Revitalizing Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector
As the Federal Government intensifies efforts to curb brain drain and bolster healthcare services, the strategic employment of more health workers and engagement with diaspora professionals stand as crucial interventions. These initiatives, coupled with improved training capacities and legislative advancements like the domestication of the Mental Health Act, reflect a renewed commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health sector.
With a visionary approach and proactive policies, the government aims to not only retain healthcare professionals within the country but also harness external expertise to foster a more resilient and efficient healthcare system for Nigerians.
