The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have denounced the Federal Government’s latest policy that prohibits the issue of leave of absence to health professionals pursuing opportunities abroad.
In reaction to the government’s proposal, NARD and JOHESU emphasised the importance of tackling the underlying reasons that drive health workers to go abroad in search of better opportunities, a phenomenon known as ‘Japa’.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, recently revealed that health personnel who wish to pursue chances overseas must quit before going on such excursions, citing an Executive Order issued by President Bola Tinubu as the reason for the restriction.
However, NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, and JOHESU National Chairman, Dr. Kabiru Minjibir, expressed concerns over what they perceive as a reactive and inadequate approach to curbing brain drain in the healthcare sector.
While expressing gratitude towards the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for their efforts in safeguarding the health sector, the President of NARD pointed out a discrepancy in the ministry’s understanding of retaining healthcare professionals.
He highlighted that healthcare workers, akin to other civil servants, adhere to civil service regulations.
When healthcare professionals leave the country, they typically resign or sometimes abscond, rather than taking a formal leave of absence.
Additionally, he emphasized that many individuals who take leave of absence intend to return.
Therefore, imposing a blanket ban on leave of absence may hinder opportunities for professional development, including training both domestically and internationally.
This raises questions about whether healthcare workers are being unduly restricted from pursuing educational opportunities beneficial to their practice.
Abdullahi highlighted the misalignment between the government’s directive and the practicalities of healthcare workers’ movements, emphasizing the necessity of consulting stakeholders and addressing the root causes of brain drain, including poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, and security challenges.
Minjibir echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of addressing health workers’ grievances and providing necessary support and resources to improve working conditions domestically.