In a bid to curb the brain drain phenomenon in Nigeria’s health sector, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced a significant directive from the federal government.
Speaking during his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Alausa revealed that health workers intending to seek employment opportunities abroad must resign from their current positions before doing so.
This directive, according to Dr. Alausa, follows an executive order issued by President Bola Tinubu aimed at addressing the challenge of ‘japa syndrome’, where health workers leave Nigeria in search of better prospects elsewhere.
He emphasised that the era of health workers applying for leave of absence before migrating for greener pastures is no longer acceptable.
The minister highlighted the government’s proactive measures to tackle the issue, including a significant increase in the enrollment of healthcare professionals.
He mentioned that the annual enrollment of nurses has risen from 28,000 to 68,000, with plans to further increase it to 120,000 by the end of the year. Similar efforts are being made to boost the enrollment of doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
Dr. Alausa clarified that while individuals are free to seek opportunities abroad, they must adhere to the presidential directive by resigning from their positions rather than applying for leave of absence. This, he explained, would prevent the complications of having absentee employees still on the payroll, thereby facilitating smoother replacements within the healthcare system.
Furthermore, Dr. Alausa assured that the government is committed to addressing various challenges faced by federal government-owned health institutions, including increased funding, infrastructural development, and welfare packages.
In response, the Provost and Chief Medical Director of the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Paul Agboola, commended the Minister for his dedication to improving the health sector.
He highlighted ongoing projects initiated under the Minister’s approval, including the establishment of the Institute of Psychiatric and a 40-bed mother and child hospital. Dr. Agboola reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to excellence in Neuro-Psychiatric care and expressed gratitude for the government’s support in realizing their goals.
