The Ministry of Health has recently implemented a new policy that prohibits health workers from taking leave of absence. In addition to this, the government has announced plans to recruit an additional 120,000 nurses to address the shortage in the healthcare sector.
According to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, healthcare workers will no longer be able to take time off if they wish to work abroad. They will be required to resign from their current positions before pursuing opportunities overseas. This decision comes as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order aimed at combating the brain drain phenomenon in the health sector, commonly referred to as ‘Japa Syndrome’.
During a visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital in Aro, the Minister highlighted the significant increase in the number of nurses joining the workforce. The annual intake has risen from 28,000 to 68,000, with a projected total of 120,000 new nurses by the end of the year.
Reports from Media Talk Africa indicate that a growing number of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
This development underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the healthcare system and ensuring the availability of skilled professionals to meet the needs of the population. The recruitment drive for additional nurses aims to strengthen the workforce and improve healthcare services across the country.
