Nigeria's "Japa Syndrome" Leads to Loss of 16000 Doctors in Five Years
Nigeria’s “Japa Syndrome” Leads to Loss of 16000 Doctors in Five Years – Over the past five years, Nigeria has experienced a substantial loss of approximately 15,000 to 16,000 doctors, attributed to the prevalent “Japa syndrome” or migration.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, unveiled this alarming trend during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Sunday, March 10. Prof Pate underscored the detrimental impact of this brain drain syndrome on the health sector, emphasizing that it has deprived the industry of its most skilled professionals.
In providing context to the situation, the minister highlighted that while Nigeria boasts a total of 300,000 health professionals, a meager 55,000 of them are doctors.
This glaring imbalance further exacerbates the challenges faced by the healthcare system, as the departure of a significant number of doctors leaves a void in the country’s medical workforce. The consequences of the Japa syndrome are far-reaching, posing a critical concern for the quality and accessibility of healthcare services in Nigeria.
The current landscape of healthcare professionals in Nigeria comprises approximately 300,000 individuals across various cadres, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, and others. This comprehensive assessment, as highlighted by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, sheds light on the diverse workforce dedicated to the country’s health sector.
Delving into the specifics, Prof Pate revealed that there are between 85,000 to 90,000 registered Nigerian doctors, although not all of them are actively practicing within the country.
A notable portion has chosen to pursue opportunities in the Diaspora, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Within Nigeria, there are currently 55,000 licensed doctors, representing a subset of the total registered professionals.
The overarching challenge faced by the healthcare sector lies in the inadequacy of professionals, both in terms of quantity and skill distribution. The dearth of skilled professionals is evident, with a concentration of high-skilled doctors predominantly found in urban centers such as Lagos, Abuja, and a few select areas.
This geographical disparity highlights a significant distribution issue within the healthcare workforce, posing challenges to providing equitable and accessible healthcare services across the nation. Addressing this imbalance is crucial for enhancing the overall effectiveness and reach of the healthcare system in Nigeria.
“The current doctor population in Lagos stands at approximately 7,600, while Abuja has around 4,700. Notably, the doctor to population ratio in Abuja is 14.7 per 10,000, and in Lagos, it’s 4.6, though the national average is a mere 2.2 per 10,000.
These statistics, verifiable in their accuracy, underscore significant distributional challenges within the healthcare workforce,” elucidated Prof Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare.
This geographical imbalance poses a multifaceted challenge, not only in terms of doctor-to-population ratios but also in providing adequate opportunities for healthcare professionals, including doctors, to enter the market effectively. Prof Pate emphasized the importance of adopting a holistic perspective, considering not only doctors but also other crucial cadres essential for healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, Prof Pate highlighted the concerning trend of losing trained professionals, stating, “For doctors, we have been losing many that have been trained.” This trend reflects the ongoing issue of the ‘Japa syndrome’ and the migration of skilled healthcare professionals to developed countries, which further exacerbates the challenges faced by the Nigerian healthcare system.
Recognizing the severity of this brain drain, Prof Pate emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address these challenges, stressing that Nigeria cannot afford to persistently lose its best minds to developed nations. The holistic perspective advocated by Prof Pate aims to tackle distributional issues, create opportunities, and ultimately retain and harness the skills of trained healthcare professionals for the benefit of the nation.
Addressing the global phenomenon of healthcare professionals emigrating, Prof Ali Pate emphasized that the ‘Japa’ trend is not unique to Nigeria but extends across the world.
He pointed out that countries worldwide face shortages in healthcare professionals, leading to a global competition for skilled workers. This challenge is not exclusive to Nigeria but is also observed in countries such as India, the Philippines, and other parts of Africa.
Over the past five years, Nigeria has witnessed a substantial loss of healthcare professionals, with approximately 15,000 to 16,000 leaving and an additional 17,000 being transferred. Managing this considerable workforce depletion poses a significant challenge for the country. Prof Pate asserted that expanding training programs for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, is imperative to address the ongoing brain drain and ensure the continued availability of well-trained personnel.
While acknowledging the substantial outflow, Prof Pate highlighted the dedication of thousands who choose to remain in Nigeria despite the lure of opportunities abroad. He shared an anecdote about the Head of the Intensive Care Unit at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, exemplifying the commitment of certain professionals who opt to stay and serve in their home country.
Prof Pate underscored the intrinsic motivation inherent in those working in the healthcare sector, emphasizing that these individuals are driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of their fellow citizens.
In light of these observations, Prof Pate advocated for recognizing and tapping into the inherent motivation of healthcare professionals who choose to stay, ensuring that their commitment to serving the nation is acknowledged and valued. This approach aligns with the broader goal of retaining skilled professionals within the Nigerian healthcare system.
“We are taking proactive measures to enhance both the training and work environment for healthcare professionals,” emphasized Prof Ali Pate. These initiatives are geared towards creating an atmosphere that encourages healthcare professionals, including doctors, to feel more valued and at home within the Nigerian healthcare system.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by healthcare workers, particularly junior doctors, Prof Pate highlighted ongoing efforts to address issues such as working hours. He emphasized that the recent discussions surrounding the working hours of junior doctors are receiving due attention.
The recognition of the burden on the remaining healthcare workforce, intensified when colleagues migrate, underscores the need for practical solutions to alleviate the strain and ensure sustainable and quality healthcare delivery.
Efforts are underway to engage the Salaries and Incomes Commission to implement measures that will boost remuneration, fostering an environment where healthcare professionals are motivated to continue their service in Nigeria. Prof Pate emphasized that addressing concerns related to working hours is a key aspect of this initiative, reflecting the commitment to the well-being of healthcare professionals.
Moreover, collaboration with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria is pivotal in formulating guidelines and safeguards within the code of ethics. This approach aims to recognize healthcare professionals as valuable assets, ensuring they are treated with the consideration they deserve and preventing burnout.
In sum, the comprehensive approach outlined by Prof Pate reflects a commitment to improving the overall conditions for healthcare professionals, with a focus on training, remuneration, and work environment enhancements. These measures, when implemented, have the potential to contribute significantly to the retention and satisfaction of healthcare professionals in Nigeria.
