The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals has warned that the country is experiencing a high rate of brain drain among its healthcare workers. In a press statement provided to our correspondent, the union’s National President, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, highlighted the urgency of the situation. The World Health Organization has warned that investments in education, skills development, and decent jobs for health workers must be prioritized to meet the rapidly growing demand for health services and to avert a projected shortage of 10 million health workers by 2030, especially in low‑ and middle‑income countries.
Dr. Ogbonna explained that many healthcare professionals are leaving Nigeria because of a lack of equipment, harsh working conditions, poor remuneration, and the prospect of a better standard of living elsewhere. “This exodus leaves a few remaining professionals to care for too many patients, leading to burnout. The overburdened staff sometimes collapse and even die while providing care,” he said, calling for immediate action to reverse the trend.
To address the loss of human capital, the union will hold its quadrennial national delegates conference under the theme “Alarming brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector: Need for emergency rescue.” The conference is scheduled for June 19‑23, 2023, in Abuja. Dr. Ogbonna said the event will urge the government to improve the health system and create an enabling environment that allows healthcare professionals to thrive in their duties for the benefit of the nation.
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