By Meyiwa ogbitse
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a new policy aimed at retaining Nigerian health workers within the country.
This strategic policy is designed to curb the exodus of health professionals who have been leaving Nigeria in search of better working environments and higher pay. The government has recognised the significant loss of health workers, who are crucial to the country’s healthcare system, and has therefore decided to implement a policy to prevent further departures.
The policy outlines several key strategies to ensure the retention of health workers. These include the introduction of incentives for health workers, programmes to encourage Nigerian medical professionals abroad to return, and the establishment of reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure a balanced exchange of healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, the policy emphasises the importance of improving the work-life balance and mental well-being of health workers. These measures are intended to ensure that health workers are not only retained but are also fully supported and motivated in their roles.