Experts decry high rate of brain drain

The Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals has expressed worry over the excessive rate of brain drain syndrome among healthcare workers in Nigeria.

The National President of the union, Dr Obinna Ogbonna, disclosed this in a press statement made available to newsmen.

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According to the World Health Organisation, investments in education, skills, and decent jobs for health need to be prioritised to meet the rapidly growing demand for health and avert a projected shortage of 10 million health workers by 2030, primarily in low and middle-income countries.

Ogbonna said, “A lot of healthcare workers are leaving the shores of the nation due to non-availability of equipment, harsh environment, poor remuneration, better standard of living and life quality.

“This leaves a few professionals to care for too many patients thus, leading to burnout. The available healthcare workers collapse and sometimes die while giving care to patients. There is a need to circumvent the situation” he stated.

He disclosed that the union would hold its quadrennial national delegates conference with the theme, ‘Alarming brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector: Need for emergency rescue,’ scheduled to take place from June 19-23, 2023, in Abuja, to address the loss of human capital.

“During the conference, people will see the need to cry out to the government to look into the health system and create an enabling environment for health care professionals to thrive in their duties for mankind,” Ogbonna added.

Wumi/Punch