Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has given his approval for the automatic replacement of medical doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who leave the state health facilities to seek better opportunities abroad. This decision aims to address the issue of brain drain and the challenges facing the health sector in Kwara State.
Dr. AbdulRaheem Malik, the Executive Secretary of the State Hospital Management Board, made this announcement during his participation in the 38th edition of the Media Parliament of the Kwara State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, held in Ilorin. The theme of the parliament was “Managing Brain Drain and Other Health Sector’s Challenges: Kwara State Government Approach.”
Mr. Malik, a renowned pharmacist, explained that the Governor’s approvals were intended to bridge the potential gap resulting from the departure of medical doctors and other related personnel from the country’s health centers in pursuit of better wages abroad. He further stated that the state government is actively recruiting medical staff to fill the existing vacancies, ensuring that there are enough doctors and healthcare workers available to care for patients in public hospitals.
“The Governor has approved a one-on-one replacement system. This means that if a doctor resigns or leaves today, we have the automatic approval of the Governor to replace that person,” said Mr. Malik. He also mentioned that the periodic recruitment of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists is already underway to continuously close the gap left by those who depart. Mr. Malik attributed the exodus of medical professionals from the country to economic factors and the demand for better wages, stating that many of them relocate to developed countries due to better pay.
However, Mr. Malik noted that the Governor has implemented measures to discourage the movement of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare personnel from public health facilities by introducing the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for them. He added that the state government regularly sponsors training programs for nurses to enhance their professional development and effectiveness.
In response to the reported mass relocation of medical personnel to developed countries, especially medical doctors, Abdullateef Ahmed, the State Chairman of the NUJ, expressed concern about the potential danger to the nation’s health sector. He emphasized the importance of easy access to medical professionals, particularly in public-owned hospitals, to ensure the well-being of residents. Mr. Ahmed called on the state government to swiftly recruit a large number of medical personnel to address the acute shortage and provide proper attention to patients in government-owned hospitals, which are frequented by the majority of the population.
NAN
