Gom Mirian
The Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, Prof. Emem Bassey, has called for better pay and improved welfare for healthcare workers in Nigeria, saying they are leaving to other African countries in droves to seek better pay.
According to Prof. Bassey, these professionals move to countries like Sierra Leone and The Gambia where they are paid between $3,000 and $4,000 monthly.
Speaking on Wednesday before the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing employment racketeering in Federal Government agencies alongside heads of other health institutions in the country, Bassey stated that the Federal Government and other stakeholders must take urgent steps to address the issue before it becomes a major crisis.
“Some African countries are also beginning to poach from Nigeria. The West Coast is looking for our specialists. So many people are now going to places like Sierra Leone and The Gambia and the wages. They earn are $3,000, $4000. It is about three to four times what they earn back home. So we are beginning to see that people are leaving for other African countries too.
“The health sector is currently undergoing a major crisis in terms of manpower. What we are seeing is that medical specialists, not just doctors, but even nurses – even more nurses – are leaving. Doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, radiographers and all manner of health professionals are leaving the country in droves.”
Baring his mind on the incessant strike embarked upon by doctors, Bassey explained that it should be the very last option.
According to him, “One of the things we have seen has been the fact that we see threats and threats and threats. And instead of, I would say, governments in the past sitting down to negotiate feasible resolutions, just because you want to end a strike, you have agreements that you cannot implement. And then after a certain period, six months or one year and you have not implemented it, people now go on strike. So we need to sit down together.”
The Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, in his remarks, said even though they have better choices abroad, the physicians should be patriotic and stay home to help the nation prosper.
“I admit there is a lack of advanced medical facilities in our health sector. This is a fact and we must, as a government, pay attention to that.
“Where we are confused is the aspect of lack of patriotism. You are produced by Nigerian institutions. We admit the brain drain and are trying to find solutions. We are happy to see you here. A lot of you have connection, maybe based on the value of your intellect, to be in the developed countries and provide services to them. But most of you find satisfaction in adding value to your motherland and fatherland.”
