Naija247News reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria spends over $21,000 (approximately ₦30 million) to train a single medical doctor, a cost that underscores the country’s heavy investment in human capital within the health sector.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Naija247news gathered that this disclosure was made by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during a health policy dialogue held in Abuja. The minister emphasized the economic implications of Nigeria’s escalating brain drain crisis, particularly among trained medical professionals.
According to Naija247news, Pate lamented the growing trend of Nigerian-trained doctors leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, a situation he described as both unsustainable and detrimental to national development. “When one doctor leaves, it’s not just a brain drain; it is an economic loss,” he stated, highlighting that the resources used to train these professionals are sourced from public funds.
Naija247news understands that the figure quoted by the minister encompasses tuition subsidies, clinical training infrastructure, and public investments in university teaching hospitals. The estimate aligns with the government’s renewed call for strategies to retain skilled healthcare workers within the country.
Naija247news reports that Professor Pate also called for stronger public-private partnerships to boost local healthcare delivery and provide incentives that can curb the migration of medical personnel. He noted that while global mobility is not inherently negative, Nigeria must strike a balance between exporting talent and meeting domestic health needs.
According to Naija247news, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed that over 3,000 doctors leave the country annually for the UK, Canada, and other nations with more attractive working conditions. This has left several public hospitals understaffed, resulting in increased workload for remaining professionals and longer wait times for patients.
Naija247news gathered that the Federal Government is working on a new retention framework that includes improved remuneration, training opportunities, and housing for healthcare professionals. Additionally, state governments have been urged to prioritize investment in their primary healthcare systems to reduce dependency on federal infrastructure.
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