The Nigerian Federal Government has recently highlighted the concerning issue of brain drain, often colloquially termed the ‘Japa Syndrome’, which has resulted in a significant loss of top-tier talent from the nation’s healthcare sector. According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, an alarming number of approximately 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria in pursuit of better prospects overseas.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Prof Ali Pate expressed deep concern over the departure of a generation of young professionals, including doctors, health workers, tech entrepreneurs, and other skilled individuals, who have chosen to seek opportunities abroad. He revealed that over the past five years alone, Nigeria has experienced a staggering loss of 15,000 to 16,000 doctors due to the ‘Japa Syndrome’, while approximately 17,000 more have been transferred elsewhere.
Pate highlighted the current landscape of healthcare professionals in Nigeria, revealing that despite around 300,000 health workers across different roles, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, the country still needs more skilled personnel. Out of the estimated 85,000 to 90,000 registered Nigerian doctors, only 55,000 remain within the country, with many opting to practice overseas, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom.
One of the major challenges highlighted by the minister is the uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, with the majority congregating in urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja. This concentration exacerbates the issue of the doctor-to-patient ratio, which falls well below the recommended standards, especially in regions outside major cities. For instance, in Abuja, there are approximately 14.7 doctors per 10,000 people, while in Lagos, the ratio drops to a mere 4.6 per 10,000, significantly below the global average of 2.2.
Addressing the critical need to retain and incentivize healthcare professionals to stay and serve their country, Pate emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding training programs and improving working conditions. He acknowledged that the brain drain phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria but a global trend affecting countries like India, the Philippines, and other African nations.
Efforts are underway to enhance training opportunities and create a conducive work environment for healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives. The government is exploring measures to boost salaries, regulate working hours, and provide necessary safeguards to prevent burnout among medical personnel. Collaboration with regulatory bodies such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria is also underway to ensure that healthcare workers are adequately supported and valued for their contributions to the nation’s healthcare system.
In conclusion, while the ‘Japa Syndrome’ continues to pose a significant challenge to Nigeria’s healthcare sector, concerted efforts by the government, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders are essential in addressing the root causes of brain drain and ensuring a sustainable and robust healthcare system.
