In a bid to curb the increasing trend of medical professionals leaving Nigeria, often referred to as the “Japa” syndrome, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has rolled out a significant financial incentive.
The governor has allocated ₦200 million to support the residency training of 150 medical doctors, aiming to enhance the quality of healthcare services in the state.
Governor Zulum made this announcement on Wednesday during a meeting with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Maiduguri.
The term “Japa” has become a popular slang in Nigeria, describing the exodus of skilled professionals seeking better opportunities abroad.
As part of this initiative, the state government will provide ₦2 million each to 50 doctors currently employed in Borno.
Additionally, over 100 doctors who are Borno indigenes working in federal institutions will receive ₦1 million each. These funds are intended to supplement their existing salaries and allowances.
The governor emphasized that this financial support aims to equip doctors with advanced clinical skills, practical experience, and specialized training, ultimately leading to improved healthcare services across the region.
Addressing Brain Drain
Nigeria has been facing a severe brain drain, particularly in the health sector, with thousands of medical professionals leaving the country annually in search of better prospects. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, recently highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the country now has only 55,000 licensed doctors, as 16,000 have emigrated in the past five years.
To tackle this issue, President Bola Tinubu recently approved the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration. This policy is designed to manage, harness, and potentially reverse the migration of health workers. It also aims to attract professionals back to Nigeria by offering appealing incentives and reintegrating them into the national health system.
Borno’s Healthcare Initiatives
Governor Zulum reiterated his administration’s dedication to enhancing healthcare services in Borno State. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of national health leaders in supporting these improvements and stressed the importance of well-trained medical professionals in delivering high-quality healthcare.
The governor also unveiled several planned interventions for the state’s healthcare sector, including the recruitment of over 1,000 medical personnel, the construction of doctors’ quarters, the establishment of a state university teaching hospital, and scholarships for medical students. Additionally, he announced plans to allocate over 15% of the state’s budget to healthcare, with a focus on strengthening primary healthcare facilities.
NMA’s Endorsement
In response to the governor’s initiatives, the NMA lauded Governor Zulum as a “champion for quality healthcare and the welfare of health workers.” NMA President Bala Audu praised the governor’s leadership and urged continued advocacy for universal quality healthcare.
He also commended the successful medical outreach programs and infrastructure developments that have significantly advanced healthcare services in Borno State.
Be the first to comment