In an effort to address the labor shortfall in the health sector, the Federal Government has hired 2,497 physicians, midwives, nurses, and community health extension workers in the previous six months, according to Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Prof. Ali Pate.
He also revealed the Federal Government’s proposes an investment of N50 billion in primary healthcare.
Speaking at the third ministerial press briefing series, initiated by the Ministry of Information in Abuja.
The purpose of the briefing series was to tell Nigerians about the difficulties of government while giving public officials a forum to showcase their accomplishments.
Doctors are leaving Nigeria in large numbers; the country has a poor doctor-to-population ratio. In 2023, 1,417 resident doctors left Nigeria to work in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, according to the Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors.
Additionally, according to the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, nine out of ten medical and dental consultants were emigrating.
Among the causes of the widespread migration include low pay, growing levels of insecurity, limited diagnostic resources, unfavorable working circumstances, and current economic circumstances.
Pate, however, asserted that President Bola Tinubu has improved healthcare quality, affordability, and accessibility with notable funding.
According to him “Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, we have expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.
“As a result of our efforts, we have recorded an increase in the proportion of women who attend antenatal care.
“Over 550,000 women now attend their first antenatal care and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.
“The achievements we have recorded signal progress and improvements. To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives/nurses to bridge the gaps due to attrition.
“An additional 1,400 health facilities now have skilled birth attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.”
Furthermore, the minister declared that N50 billion would be released by the FG as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a substantial increase over the N25 billion allotted in 2022.
“This infusion of funds will breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens,” Pate said.
