Federal Government Addresses Healthcare Manpower Shortage: Recruits Nearly 2,500 Health Workers
In a concerted effort to tackle the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the recruitment of 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) over the past six months. This initiative aims to alleviate the strain on the country's healthcare system and enhance access to quality medical services for all citizens.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, revealed this milestone during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series organized by the Ministry of Information in Abuja. These briefings serve as a platform for public officials to showcase their achievements and address governance challenges.
Nigeria has long grappled with a low doctor-population ratio, exacerbated by a significant exodus of healthcare professionals seeking better opportunities abroad. Recent data indicates that at the end of 2023, 1,417 resident doctors migrated to the United Kingdom and the United States, while the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria reported a concerning trend of nine out of every ten medical and dental consultants leaving the country. Factors such as inadequate remuneration, escalating insecurity, poor working conditions, and economic hardships have fueled this mass migration.
However, despite these challenges, Prof. Pate highlighted the government's commitment to improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality under President Bola Tinubu's leadership. The revitalization of primary healthcare facilities has been prioritized, with efforts directed towards equipping and staffing these facilities to deliver essential services to communities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, significant progress has been made in expanding access to vital healthcare services, leading to improved health outcomes and a reduction in preventable diseases. Prof. Pate emphasized notable achievements, including an increase in the proportion of women attending antenatal care, with over 550,000 women receiving essential information and care to enhance pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.
Furthermore, the Federal Government announced a substantial increase in healthcare funding, with the release of N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, doubling the allocation from N25 billion in 2022. This injection of funds is poised to rejuvenate primary healthcare facilities across the country, ensuring that quality care remains accessible to all citizens.
The recruitment of nearly 2,500 healthcare professionals and the bolstering of healthcare infrastructure signal a concerted effort by the Nigerian government to address longstanding challenges in the healthcare sector and pave the way for improved health outcomes and well-being for all citizens.
