The Federal Government has disclosed that plans have been set in motion to curb the migration of Nigerian health workers.
According to statements made by Director of Information, Ministry of Health, Brendan Nwokike, and the Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora, the Federal Government has plans to fund hospitals across the country as well as motivate doctors and other health workers in order to make migration unattractive and to discourage medical tourism.
The minister stated: “This is an issue of concern for all of us and we are already looking at the factors that are responsible. One of it is the remuneration and I want to repeat it that no amount paid to any health worker will compensate adequately, looking at the hazards they are exposed to. So, we are working on how to increase it a bit for our health workers.”
“You will recall that just a few days ago, we had an engagement with all the leaders of the unions in the health sector. We are working together on how to increase and put in place a hazard allowance that will show will appreciate what they are doing. We also have an insurance scheme in place, which everyone is entitled to. We are doing everything possible just to raise the compensation.”
According to Mamora, Nigerian health workers have been enjoying programmes like Medical Residency which according to him are expensive in other countries.
