NHS at Risk if Nigerian Doctors Exit UK - Nigerian Health Minister Warns

Nigeria's Health Minister, Ali Pate, highlighted the critical role Nigerian doctors play in the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS).

According to Pate, a staggering 67% of Nigerian-trained doctors are currently working in the UK. He cautioned that the NHS would face significant challenges if these health workers were to leave.

He made this known on Tuesday evening, August 13,  on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

Pate emphasized the global demand for Nigerian medical professionals. "Doctors and nurses trained in Nigeria are sought-after globally," he said, adding that the country should take pride in this fact. However, he also noted the strain this migration places on Nigeria's own healthcare system.

To address this issue, President Bola Tinubu has approved a new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration.

This policy aims to curb the mass exodus of Nigerian health professionals by promoting ethical recruitment practices and international cooperation.

"The recruitment countries; that recruit our professionals, should they not have some responsibilities to help us expand the training?" Pate questioned.

He suggested that countries like the UK could assist in training more Nigerian doctors to replace those who migrate.

Pate revealed that over 75% of health workers trained in Nigeria last year have left the country for economic reasons.

To retain medical talent, the new policy proposes improved welfare packages and enhanced capacity development within Nigeria. "We have good training centres here, and the universities are doing a great job," he admitted.

The policy also focuses on creating a decent work environment with shifts not exceeding 12 hours.

Pate stressed the importance of Nigerian health workers to the NHS, stating, "If Nigerians hold back from the UK, for instance, the NHS will struggle to provide the services that many Nigerians are going there to get."

He concluded by saying that while the government cannot stop the freedom of movement, it will make efforts to create a conducive environment for medical professionals to stay and practice in Nigeria.