FG recruits 2,497 medical professionals, others in six months to address brain drain – Minister says

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate has recruited 2,497 Medical Doctors, Midwives Nurses, and Commuinity Health Extension Workers in the last six months to bridge the manpower shortage in the health sector.

Prof. Pate disclosed this on Wednesday at the third edition ministerial press briefing in Abuja.

It would be recalled that the briefing series was initiated to provide a platform for public officials to reel out their achievements and apprise Nigerians of the challenges of governance.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria also stated that Nine (9) out of Ten (10) medical and dental consultants were leaving the country.

Poor renumeration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions and economic conditions are some of the reasons for the mass exodus.

Pate, however, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had made remarkable strides in enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.

He noted that the government has priotised the revitalization of primary healthcare facilities, and ensuring they are adequately equipped to provide essential services to communities.

“Though sustained investment and stategic partnership, we have expended access to vital heatlhcare services, particularly in the rural and undeserved arrears, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.

“As a result of our efforts, we have recorded an increase in proportion of women who attend antenatal care.

Over 55 000 women now attend their first antenatal and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.

“The achievements we have recorded signal progress and improvements. To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives, Nurses, and CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition.

Pate, stated that Federal Government will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Health Care Fund, a significant increase from N25 billion allocated in 2022.

He noted that the infusion of funds would breathe new life into the nation’s primary healthcare facilities by ensuring that guality care is accessibility to all citizens.

-9News Nigeria.