The Nigerian healthcare sector faces a significant challenge as the Federal Government reveals that approximately 16,000 doctors have left the country in the past five years, exacerbating the shortage of healthcare professionals.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, disclosed this alarming trend during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

According to Prof Pate, the phenomenon, known as ‘Japa syndrome,’ has seen a substantial number of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals emigrate to countries like the US and UK in search of better opportunities.

He emphasized that while Nigeria currently has around 300,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and laboratory scientists, only 55,000 of them are doctors, further highlighting the scarcity of medical personnel.

The brain drain crisis has led to uneven distribution of healthcare professionals, with major urban centers like Lagos and Abuja bearing the brunt of the shortage.

Prof Pate stressed the need for holistic solutions to address this issue, including expanding training programs and improving working conditions to retain healthcare workers.

Despite the challenges, Prof Pate also highlighted the dedication of many healthcare professionals who choose to remain in Nigeria out of a sense of duty and patriotism.

He emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting these individuals to ensure a sustainable healthcare system.

As the government grapples with the brain drain crisis, efforts are underway to improve training opportunities, enhance working conditions, and provide support to healthcare workers.

However, urgent action is needed to address the underlying issues driving the exodus of doctors and other healthcare professionals from Nigeria.