In a decisive move to address Nigeria’s deepening healthcare workforce crisis, the Federal Government has announced plans to employ more health workers and actively engage medical professionals in the diaspora to curb the mass exodus of talent, widely referred to as the ‘Japa’ syndrome.
The announcement was made via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, quoting a statement from the Minister of Health. According to the Minister, the government recognizes the alarming rate at which skilled healthcare professionals are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, and is committed to reversing the trend through strategic interventions.
To mitigate the impact of the brain drain, the government plans to not only recruit fresh medical personnel but also create incentives to retain existing healthcare workers. Furthermore, a structured engagement with Nigerian medical experts abroad is in the works, aiming to leverage their expertise for the country’s benefit, either through virtual consultations, short-term service returns, or knowledge transfer programs.
The ‘Japa’ syndrome has significantly strained Nigeria’s healthcare system, with many hospitals experiencing severe staff shortages. Medical professionals cite low wages, poor working conditions, and a lack of career growth as major factors driving their departure.
This latest development signals a renewed commitment by the Federal Government to revamp the nation’s healthcare sector and restore confidence among medical practitioners. However, whether these efforts will be enough to stem the tide remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
PIONEER NEWS 