Concern as More Medical Practitioners Continue to Leave Nigeria

In recent years, an increasing number of doctors and nurses in Nigeria have left the country in search of better pay and working conditions in Europe and North America. According to the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), six out of ten doctors in Nigeria plan on leaving for greener pastures.

Experts say the exodus is being driven by a lack of funding and infrastructure, a shortage of medical kits, and poor logistics.

The shortage of medical professionals is affecting the quality of healthcare services in the country. Patients often have to wait for long hours before receiving treatment, and in some cases, they are unable to access medical care at all. The shortage of medical personnel is also putting a strain on the few healthcare facilities available, leading to overcrowding and an inability to provide essential medical services.

The government has proposed a bill to prevent the emigration of medical and dental practitioners until after five years after qualifying.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has put Nigeria on the red list of countries that should not be actively considered for recruitment by health and social care employers. This review came after the World Health Organisation (WHO) listed 55 countries, including Nigeria facing the most pressing health workforce challenges related to Universal Health Coverage.