FG Hired 2,497 Doctors, Other Health Workers in Six Months – Pate

The Federal Government (FG) has recruited 2,497 doctors, midwives, nurses, and Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) in the last six months to bridge the manpower shortage in the health sector.

In addition, the FG will be releasing N50 billion as the first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, a significant increase from N25bn allocated in 2022.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Alli Pate, during a press briefing on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in Abuja.

About 1,417 resident doctors moved to the United Kingdom and the United States of America in 2023, according to reports.

Similarly, according to the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, nine out of every 10 medical and dental consultants leave the country due to poor remuneration, rising insecurity, inadequate diagnostic facilities, unconducive work conditions, economic conditions, among others.

Speaking further, Pate commended President Bola Tinubu for making remarkable strides in enhancing healthcare accessibility, affordability and quality.

He noted, “Through sustained investment and strategic partnerships, we have expanded access to vital healthcare services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of preventable diseases.

“As a result of our efforts, we have recorded an increase in the proportion of women who attend antenatal care. Over 550,000 women now attend their first antenatal care and are armed with the right information and care to improve their pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality.

“The achievements we have recorded signal progress and improvements. To sustain and continue to build on these gains, in the last six months, the Government of Nigeria recruited 2,497 Doctors, Midwives/Nurses, and CHEWs to bridge the gaps due to attrition. An additional 1,400 health facilities now have Skilled Birth Attendants to assist in deliveries at the health facilities. This has increased the number of health facility deliveries to as high as 230,000 deliveries per month.”

On the N50 billion first tranche of the Basic Healthcare Fund, he declared that it would “breathe new life into our primary healthcare facilities, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all citizens.”