A shortage of medical professionals at all levels in government facilities, according to Ekumankama Nkama, the minister of state for health, has been brought on by the nation’s soaring migration rates (local, state and federal).
At the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, he was speaking at the opening of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Labor Ward.
Nkama revealed that the Ministry of Health is developing a brain gain strategy to encourage Nigerian-born medical professionals living abroad to return home and provide paid consulting services to locals.
The Minister, who was represented at the ceremony by Dr. David Atuwo, Director of the Ministry’s National Cancer Control Program, said:
“This ‘japa’ syndrome is adversely affecting services in our hospitals
, to the extent that some wards are closed for lack of personnel to man them.
“The ministry is also working on a brain gain mechanism whereby our health professionals in the diaspora can be incentivised to come home and give paid expert service to our citizens. This is a win, win situation for the nation and our experienced medical professionals in the diaspora.”
“I am glad the Head of Service is here in person as her office has been very cooperative. Let me thank her profusely for all her efforts in this regard. The full implementation of this initiative will ensure that services are maintained at the present level.”
