Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has disclosed that approximately 67 percent of Nigerian doctors are practicing in the United Kingdom.
During an appearance on Channels Television on Tuesday, Pate highlighted the global demand for Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses, noting that the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK would face significant challenges if Nigerian doctors were to withdraw.
READ ALSO: ‘Japa’ Syndrome: Reps reject motion to stop emigrations
Pate proposed that countries hiring Nigerian health professionals, like the UK, should contribute to expanding pre-service education programs in Nigeria to help balance the migration of health workers with local training efforts. He stated, “UK will need Nigerian doctors. 67% of our doctors go to the United Kingdom, and 25% of the NHIS workforce is Nigerian.”
He suggested that recruitment countries should share some responsibility in helping to increase local training. “Does the UK, for instance, want to consider expanding the pre-service education? Can we have corridors that allow us to have a compact that ‘you’ll take so but you will also help us train more so you will replace them’? That is in the realm of health diplomacy and ethical replacement.”
Pate also pointed out that over 75 percent of health workers trained in Nigeria in the past year have sought opportunities abroad. While acknowledging that the government cannot restrict freedom of movement, he emphasized efforts to improve conditions to retain health workers within Nigeria.
“We’re not stopping anyone from leaving. We’re accepting that migration is here to stay—people will leave, some will come back, and some will migrate here from elsewhere. You’re free to leave, but we will work on making the environment more conducive, to make you more likely to stay than leave, and to attract/incentivize those who’ve left, to come back,” Pate said.
Additionally, Pate mentioned that the newly approved National Policy on Health Workforce Migration, endorsed by President Bola Tinubu, will offer incentives to medical professionals to remain in Nigeria through improved welfare and enhanced capacity development.
