The Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria, Dr Tosan Erhabor, reports that a minimum of 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have relocated to foreign countries in pursuit of better opportunities.
In the year 2023 alone, over 4,504 medical laboratory scientists departed from the country, as stated by Dr. Erhabor.
He informed the News Agency of Nigeria that the Federal Ministry of Health is working on a policy to tackle the ongoing trend of health workers migrating abroad.
“The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” he said.
He mentioned that once implemented, the policy will oversee the migration of Nigerian health workers.
Erhabor added that the government had reassessed the hazard allowance of health professionals to enhance their productivity.
“Government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowance of health professionals. Safe and conducive work environment can be a panacea for reducing the pace of brain drain amongst medical laboratories,” he said.
Erhabor attributed the migration of medical scientists to different reasons.
“Some are leaving as a result of poor remuneration and uncertainties in the career progression in teaching hospitals. Others are leaving in order to study abroad, acquire new skills and enhance their professional status.
“Good numbers are also leaving because of the security situation in the country, poor infrastructure and lack of modern equipment to work with.
“Above all, the rising cost of living is making it practically impossible for an average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children,” he said.