Efforts are currently ongoing on migration policy to curtail brain drain within the health sector, as stated by Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Dr. Abubakar gave this assurance on Wednesday during the 2023 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference organized by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, held in Abuja.
The event, themed “Our Nurses, Our Future,” was attended by Dr. Abubakar as the guest of honor. He acknowledged that Nigeria has been significantly affected by the departure of skilled professionals in the nursing field, commonly known as brain drain. However, he conveyed the country’s commitment to devising a migration policy that aims to overcome this challenge.
Dr. Abubakar’s presentation revolved around the topic of “Brain Drain in Nursing: Strategies to Ensure Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Nursing Workforce.” He pointed out that among 57 countries experiencing a critical shortage of healthcare workers, Nigeria ranks seventh. To address this, he stressed the need to bolster nurse recruitment.
The registrar emphasized that a solution to the brain drain issue involves not only recruitment but also the provision of essential resources and a favorable work environment. He emphasized the importance of the government’s investment in nurses’ training and the implementation of measures to tackle the underlying challenges.
Mr. Ayuba Wanna, the immediate past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, highlighted the importance of addressing workers’ salaries, particularly in light of fuel subsidy removal. He acknowledged the crucial role nurses play in the healthcare sector and advocated for safeguarding their entitlements.
Dr. Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), conveyed strong support for nurses from the administration. He emphasized the administration’s concern for the welfare of FCTA staff, including the vital role nurses play.
Mrs. Khadijat-Toyin Musah, the keynote speaker and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Science at the University of Abuja, emphasized the necessity of bridging the gap between nursing education and practice. She stressed the importance of practical knowledge and ensuring that nurses are well-equipped to command respect through their expertise.
Comrade Deborah Yusuf, Chairman of NANNM, FCT Chapter, called for enhanced education and training opportunities for nurses, alongside the provision of necessary tools for their professional growth. She advocated for improved welfare packages as a means to motivate and retain nurses.
Disclaimer
The provided information is intended for general awareness and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. The post disclaims any warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content, services, or graphics on the website. It advises caution when using the information for any purpose.