Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has revealed that successful Nigerian doctors, nurses, and health workers abroad are contemplating returning to Nigeria if the necessary infrastructure is provided. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Pate emphasized the importance of creating a conducive environment to attract skilled health professionals back to the country.
While acknowledging the allure of better pay and welfare packages abroad, Pate commended the thousands of health workers who have chosen to remain in Nigeria to serve their country. He highlighted the dedication of these professionals and noted that some individuals travel abroad for training with the intention of returning home to contribute their skills.
Addressing the phenomenon of health worker migration, commonly referred to as “Japa,” Pate underscored the government’s efforts to improve conditions within the healthcare industry to encourage professionals to stay in Nigeria. He emphasized that the challenge of retaining health workers is not unique to Nigeria but is a global issue.
Pate emphasized the critical importance of human resources in the health sector, highlighting the distribution challenges within the country. He noted that while there are approximately 55,000 licensed medical doctors in Nigeria, they are not evenly distributed across the country, with a significant concentration in urban centers like Lagos and Abuja.
Acknowledging the loss of approximately 15,000 doctors over the last five years, Pate assured that the government is committed to expanding training programs to address the gap. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts to collaborate with the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission to enhance the pay of health workers in the country.
