The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, has expressed confidence that the mass emigration of healthcare professionals, commonly referred to as the “japa syndrome,” will soon subside. Speaking during a working visit to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday, Salako credited his optimism to the focused reforms and policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at strengthening the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
Salako assured healthcare professionals that the government was taking concrete steps to address the issues driving the emigration. He noted that the measures put in place would enhance the working conditions for health workers and, ultimately, retain more professionals in the country. “Within Nigeria’s economic realities, health workers are among the best-paid professionals,” Salako stated during his visit, reinforcing the idea that the government is committed to improving the sector’s working conditions.
However, he emphasized that improving doctors’ salaries alone would not resolve the underlying challenges in the healthcare system. “If we increase doctors’ pay, other professionals, such as teachers, will also demand pay raises,” he explained. This statement highlighted the need for a more holistic approach that goes beyond salary increases to address the complex issues facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
Salako also addressed the issue of patriotism, urging healthcare professionals to consider the long-term benefits of staying in Nigeria rather than seeking opportunities abroad. “East or West, home is best. No matter where you go outside your country, you remain a second-class citizen,” he said, underscoring the idea that while opportunities abroad may seem attractive, the value of contributing to one’s home country is unparalleled.
While acknowledging the challenges facing Nigerian healthcare facilities, particularly in relation to power supply, Salako praised the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) for its innovative management strategies in addressing these issues. He commended the hospital for its efforts in maintaining a high standard of care despite the challenges, and he assured the public that the government was committed to providing more support for such institutions. “Health is the essence of living, and adequate funding is key to addressing the sector’s challenges,” he emphasized.
In addition to financial support, Salako highlighted the importance of capacity building as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the health sector. He pointed out that the “japa syndrome” was not just a healthcare issue but a symptom of broader economic concerns, which required a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. “With the policies in place, particularly those focused on capacity building, the tide will soon turn,” he said with optimism.
The Chief Medical Director of UBTH, Prof. Darlington Obaseki, joined the conversation by addressing the pressing issue of severe staffing shortages at the hospital. Despite its reputation for offering affordable and high-quality care, the hospital has struggled to maintain adequate staffing levels due to the mass exodus of healthcare professionals. “We currently have more than 500 patients but only 750 nurses working across three shifts. This is barely sufficient to cover the clinics, theatres, and inpatient care,” Obaseki explained.
Furthermore, Obaseki pointed out that UBTH only has about 250 consultants and fewer than 300 resident doctors, which he stated is insufficient to meet the growing demand for healthcare services. He stressed the urgency of addressing this shortage in order to maintain the quality of service delivery at the hospital. “We need urgent intervention from the government to address the shortage of healthcare workers,” he appealed.
Salako acknowledged the concerns raised by Obaseki and reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling these staffing issues. He assured the public that reforms are already in motion to improve the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals, including better incentives and working conditions. However, he also made it clear that this would require time and consistent effort.
The Minister’s visit to UBTH also portrayed government’s focus on tackling the systemic issues that contribute to the “japa syndrome,” including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, low morale among healthcare workers, and the lack of essential medical supplies. Salako’s comments pointed to a shift in policy that not only addresses salary concerns but also aims to create a more conducive environment for healthcare professionals to thrive within Nigeria.
As the government continues to introduce reforms to strengthen the healthcare sector, Salako remains hopeful that the situation will improve. “We have a plan in place, and we are confident that, with the support of the health workers and the commitment of the government, we will turn the tide on the exodus of our healthcare professionals,” he concluded.
