By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to collaborate with Nigerian medical professionals in the diaspora as part of efforts to address the country’s healthcare workforce shortage.
This initiative is aimed at curbing the “japa syndrome “and the mass exodus of healthcare workers to foreign nations by leveraging the expertise of Nigerian doctors practicing in the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and other countries.
Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, announced the plan during a town hall meeting with department heads at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday.
Salako emphasized that while these professionals may not be physically present in Nigeria, the government is committed to harnessing their knowledge and contributions remotely.
“We are expanding our capacity to train healthcare workers, and at the same time, we are engaging Nigerian medical professionals abroad,” Salako stated. “Through robust collaborations with Nigerian doctors in the UK, US, and Ireland, we can integrate their expertise into our healthcare system.”
Additionally, the minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu has approved an increase in healthcare sector recruitment to address staffing shortages.
“Mr. President has granted us a waiver to recruit more health workers than any other sector. This is part of the comprehensive strategy to revamp our healthcare system,” Salako added.
Salako also urged state governments to implement the Mental Health Act to enhance mental healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Responding to the call, Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to domesticating the law, highlighting the growing need for mental health support.
“We are definitely going to domesticate the Mental Health Act because it aligns with our commitment to the people. The pressures of modern society have increased mental health challenges, and it is our responsibility to provide necessary care,” Dr. Coker stated.
She further emphasized the continuous collaboration between Ogun State and the Federal Government in upgrading primary healthcare facilities.
The Provost and Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Paul Agboola, welcomed the Minister’s visit and pledged the hospital’s support in implementing the Mental Health Act within the state.
“We are excited about the Minister’s visit and look forward to working with the state government to ensure the successful domestication of the Mental Health Act in Ogun State,” Dr. Agboola said.
He confirmed ongoing discussions with the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, who has expressed readiness to push for the law’s implementation.
