Metro

Brain Drain: President Tinubu approves new policy to retain medical experts within Nigeria

Published

1 month ago

August 13, 2024

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has approved a new National Policy on Health Workforce Migration aimed at arresting the recurring incidents of brain drain by medical experts, as well as address the challenges facing Nigeria’s health human resources.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate, who revealed this on Monday, said the policy would be more than just a response to the exodus of healthcare professionals but a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse healthworker migration.

“This afternoon, HE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR @officialABAT, in-Council, approved a landmark policy set to transform healthcare human resource management in Nigeria,” Pate wrote on his X handle.

“The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration addresses the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s health human resources.

“As the AU Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership, Mr President’s commitment to a resilient and robust healthcare system is powerfully reflected in this forward-looking policy.

“This policy is more than just a response to the ongoing exodus of healthcare professionals; it’s a comprehensive strategy to manage, harness, and reverse health worker migration. It envisions a thriving workforce that is well-supported, adequately rewarded, and optimally utilised to meet the healthcare needs of all Nigerians.”

Pate emphasized that central to the vision of President Tinubu is the Nigeria Human Health Resource Programme, which sets a framework for regular reviews of working conditions, ensuring that health workers, especially in rural and underserved areas, receive the recognition and rewards they deserve.

“By fostering an environment conducive to professional growth and stability, the policy aims to retain top talent within Nigeria.

“In an increasingly digital world, integrating advanced health technologies is essential. The policy’s focus on digital health infrastructure including Electronic Medical Records, telehealth, and a comprehensive Health Workforce Registry, which marks a significant step towards a more efficient, data-driven health system.

“These innovations will streamline healthcare delivery and enhance the equitable distribution of health workers, ensuring access to quality care for all Nigerians.

“Capacity building is at the heart of this policy. It recognises the importance of continuous professional development, with strategic partnerships and opportunities for international training to equip our healthcare professionals with cutting-edge skills.

“This investment in human capital underscores our commitment to retaining and empowering our healthcare workforce,” he said.

The Minister further stressed that the policy will also address the return and reintegration of Nigerian health professionals from the Diaspora.

“This approach leverages the expertise of our diaspora to bridge gaps within the health sector. Also, the policy champions reciprocal agreements with other nations to ensure that the exchange of health workers benefits Nigeria.

“These bilateral and multilateral agreements are designed to protect national interests while respecting the rights and aspirations of our healthcare professionals. We call on recipient countries to implement a 1:1 match—training one worker to replace every publicly trained Nigerian worker they receive.

“Recognising the importance of work-life balance, the policy includes provisions for routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors. These measures aim to create a supportive work environment, reducing burnout and enhancing job satisfaction.

“The governance of this policy will be overseen by the National Human Resources for Health Programme within @Fmohnigeria, in collaboration with state governments. This ensures responsible implementation and alignment with broader sector-wide health objectives.

“With this decisive action, the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration is set to secure the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“Under Mr President’s leadership, this policy will further catalyse the transformation of our health sector, ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians.

“As we embark on this journey, all stakeholders are invited to contribute to building a healthcare system that reflects our nation’s potential and promise,” Pate noted.

Healthcare experts believe that the document, if properly implemented and harnessed, would go a long way in addressing the incessant cases of many Nigerian healthcare workers leaving the country for greener pastures in what is popularly called the “Japa Syndrome”.

According to the fleeing health workers, the push factors for the decision include poor remuneration and salary structure, inadequate equipment, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and a host of other impediments to the practice of their profession.

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Metro

Zambia’s media landscape fragmented by rise of online platforms

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Zambia’s media landscape has undergone a major transformation in recent years, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behavior and changes in regulatory frameworks.

This shift has led to the fragmentation of traditional media, with the rise of online and social media platforms.

Over 100 online outlets have emerged, catering to diverse interests, and social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp have become primary news sources for many Zambians.

Specialized outlets focused on specific topics—entertainment, sports, or business—have also gained traction, increasing competition for audiences, advertising revenue and influence.

A study by Peter Brooke, a former UK Member of Parliament, highlighted the significant impact of Zambia’s decolonization in the 1960s on media freedom, sparking the creation of new media outlets and fostering freedom of expression.

The proliferation of short-wave radio and affordable transistor radios further accelerated the growth of the media industry.

The Zambian government operated several state-owned media, including the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation and newspapers like Times of Zambia and Daily Mail.

Private media, such as News Diggers, The Mast, and Daily Nation, offered alternative perspectives.

Digital-only platforms, like Lusaka Times and Zambian Watchdog, have grown in influence, boasting millions of followers on social media.

However, media fragmentation presented challenges.

The rise of so many platforms had led to information overload, making it harder for audiences to discern credible sources.

This fragmentation also risked creating echo chambers and contributing to national polarization.

Traditional media are struggling with declining ad revenue and sustainability.

Chief Government Spokesperson, Cornelius Mweetwa, expressed concern over the spread of misinformation on social media, which he said undermined the government’s achievements.

“It is unfortunate that social media is being used to sway citizens away from appreciating the progress made by the government,” Mweetwa said.

MISA Zambia, a media advocacy organization, had emphasized the importance of promoting media diversity and media literacy to combat misinformation and fragmentation.

In one of its publications, MISA Zambia stated, “Media fragmentation posed significant challenges to democracy… We must promote media literacy.”

There is a growing need for regular assessments of the media landscape, national media literacy programmes, guidelines for social media regulations and support for innovative media entrepreneurship to address the challenges brought by Zambia’s evolving media landscape.

This story is sponsored by Project Aliyense.

Metro

Nigerian govt to jail private employers paying below N70,000 minimum wage

Published

12 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Nigerian government has vowed to prosecute and possibly jail private employers who pay their workers below the N70,000 minimum wage recently approved for workers in the country.

The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, who stated this while speaking at the 13th Annual General Meeting of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria held in Lagos on Wednesday, called on agencies recruiting for the private sector to adhere to the N70,000 minimum wage, warning that any deviation would not be tolerated.

Abubakar said the new minimum wage was necessary to address the current economic reality, emphasising that no Nigerian worker, whether in government or private employment, should be paid less than the minimum wage.

“The minimum wage is now a law, and as a result, it is a punishable crime for any employer to pay less than N70,000 to any of its workers,” he stated.

“The private employment agencies should make it compulsory in any contract they take from their principal that their workers should not earn less than the minimum wage. The least paid worker in Nigeria should earn N70,000, and I think that should be after all deductions.

“The minimum wage is a law, and you can be jailed if you fail to implement it. The Federal Government is committed to ensuring that the least paid worker goes home with N70,000.”