The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, said yesterday that over the past six months, the federal government (FG) has hired 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses, and community health extension workers to address the shortage of personnel in the health sector.
Prof. Pate made this revelation during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja.
The briefing series aims to offer a platform for public officials to highlight their accomplishments and inform Nigerians about the governance challenges.
Nigeria, grappling with a low doctor-population ratio, is witnessing a significant outflow of physicians. By the end of 2023, 1,417 resident doctors had migrated to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Additionally, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria reported that nine out of every ten medical and dental consultants were departing the country. They cited reasons such as inadequate remuneration, escalating insecurity, insufficient diagnostic facilities, unfavorable working conditions, and economic challenges.
However, Pate mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has made notable strides in improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.
He highlighted the government’s focus on revitalizing primary healthcare facilities, ensuring they are properly equipped and staffed to deliver essential services to communities.
Prof. Pate made this revelation during the third edition of the ministerial press briefing series initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja.
The briefing series aims to offer a platform for public officials to highlight their accomplishments and inform Nigerians about the governance challenges.
Nigeria, grappling with a low doctor-population ratio, is witnessing a significant outflow of physicians. By the end of 2023, 1,417 resident doctors had migrated to the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Additionally, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria reported that nine out of every ten medical and dental consultants were departing the country. They cited reasons such as inadequate remuneration, escalating insecurity, insufficient diagnostic facilities, unfavorable working conditions, and economic challenges.
However, Pate mentioned that President Bola Tinubu has made notable strides in improving healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality.
He highlighted the government’s focus on revitalizing primary healthcare facilities, ensuring they are properly equipped and staffed to deliver essential services to communities.