By Emmanuel Kwada
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has assured that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to addressing the issue of ‘japa syndrome’ (the mass migration of health professionals) in Nigeria’s health sector through reforms and policy changes.
Dr. Salako made this statement during a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, where he acknowledged that the challenge of ‘japa’ in the health sector is primarily an economic one.
The challenge of ‘Japa’ in the health sector is primarily an economic one, and we are committed to tackling it. However, economic challenges extend beyond the health sector. I believe that the trend of ‘Japa’ will eventually be reversed, he said.
The challenge of ‘Japa’ in the health sector is primarily an economic one, and we are committed to tackling it
Dr. Salako reassured that, given Nigeria’s economic capabilities, health workers are currently among the highest-paid public servants in the country, reflecting the government’s prioritization and value of healthcare professionals.
While salary increases are important, Dr. Salako stressed that commitment from health professionals to serve their country is also vital. He emphasized that the government is working to create an environment that encourages health professionals to stay and contribute to the development of the country’s health sector.
Earlier, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, UBTH’s Chief Medical Director, appealed to the federal government to address the critical shortage of skilled healthcare professionals in the sector. He highlighted that the hospital, with just 250 consultants, 300 resident doctors, and 750 nurses, is severely understaffed for the over 500 patients that visit daily.
The government has acknowledged the shortage of healthcare professionals and is working to address it through various initiatives, including increasing the number of medical schools and training programs, as well as providing incentives for healthcare professionals to stay in the country.
The hospital, with just 250 consultants, 300 resident doctors, and 750 nurses, is severely understaffed for the over 500 patients that visit daily
The ‘japa syndrome’ is a significant challenge facing Nigeria’s health sector, but the government is committed to addressing it through reforms and policy changes. With the support of healthcare professionals and stakeholders, the government aims to create an environment that encourages health professionals to stay and contribute to the development of the country’s health sector.
