The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, has disclosed that a significant 67% of Nigerian doctors are currently practicing in the United Kingdom.
He emphasized the global demand for Nigerian-trained doctors and nurses, highlighting that the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) would face significant challenges if Nigerian doctors were to withdraw.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen on Politics Today program, the Minister suggested that countries benefiting from Nigerian health workers, like the UK, should contribute to expanding pre-service education in Nigeria and he argues, would help balance the migration of these professionals with local training efforts.
The Minister further noted that over 75% of health workers trained in Nigeria last year have since left for opportunities abroad. While acknowledging that the government cannot restrict freedom of movement, Pate stated that efforts will be intensified to create a more favorable environment to encourage health workers to stay and practice in Nigeria.
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