President Bola Tinubu has approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration to tackle the issue of Nigerian doctors leaving the country for better opportunities abroad. The policy aims to attract back an estimated 12,400 Nigerian-trained doctors currently practicing overseas, with a significant number in the United Kingdom.

The announcement was made by Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, who highlighted the need for recruitment countries to support Nigeria in expanding healthcare training. The policy, signed by the President, is a strategic approach to managing and reversing the trend of health workers migrating.

Key features of the policy include provisions for digital health infrastructure, capacity building, and incentives for healthcare professionals to return. The aim is to create a conducive environment for healthcare workers, promoting work-life balance and professional growth.

While the policy has been met with guarded optimism, there is a call for more details and clarity on implementation. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of understanding the finer points of the policy to ensure its effectiveness in retaining and empowering healthcare workers in Nigeria.