FG begs doctors to remain in Nigeria following rapid increasing rate of doctors leaving Nigeria

The Nigerian Government has restated its commitment to addressing the brain in the country’s health sector.

Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama made the pledge while addressing journalists on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos, while pleading with medical professionals to not travel out of Nigeria.

Ekumankama spoke during the inauguration of the Orthopedic and Trauma Centre, Molecular Building Complex, Oxygen gas plant, Clinical Training Centre, and Ultra-Modern Theatre.

The minister admitted that the mass relocation of doctors and nurses was a problem which they will work hard to forestall.

He further appealed to health personnel to remain in Nigeria to see the efforts of the government.

“The greatest challenge facing the sector presently is the doctors and nurses leaving the country.

“As a sacrifice, I encourage them to stay back and help us revitalize the health sector. We have witnessed that today with what is on ground in this hospital,” he said.

Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), had said the nation lost over 9,000 medical doctors to the United States of America, United Kingdom and Canada between 2016 and 2018.