The Federal Government has unveiled an ambitious plan to bolster the number of medical and dental practitioners within the country. The aim is to double the current population of 5,000 doctors and dentists to a robust 10,000 within the upcoming academic year.
This significant initiative was revealed by Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during a ceremony held in Abuja where foreign-trained medical and dental graduates were being inducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa emphasized the imperative nature of this strategy, addressing concerns about the ongoing departure of licensed medical professionals to more developed nations. A pivotal aspect of this plan is to enhance the appeal of the healthcare environment within Nigeria, rendering it a more alluring prospect for healthcare practitioners.
“Equally, we shall expand these opportunities to all other health professionals like pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, community health extension workers, radiographers, and others. Although, this will be in phases. We shall create room to produce more and excess because globally, there’s a shortage of health manpower, which has been estimated at a shortage of 18 million people,” he stated.
Presently, Nigeria produces slightly over 3,000 doctors annually, a number that is widely considered insufficient to adequately meet the healthcare demands of the nation’s ever-growing population. This deficit underscores the pressing need to double the rate of healthcare worker production, focusing not only on doctors and dentists but also expanding opportunities for various healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, community health extension workers, radiographers, and others. However, this expansion will be executed in a phased manner. The overarching goal is to bridge the global shortage of healthcare manpower, estimated at a staggering 18 million people.
In addition to expanding the healthcare workforce, Dr. Alausa outlined the ministry’s commitment to advocating for increased funding in the health sector. This enhanced funding is crucial for realizing the goal of doubling the healthcare workforce and improving the overall healthcare infrastructure. The ministry also seeks to augment the value chain within the healthcare sector, which will be instrumental in attracting more international grants and funding. These measures are intended to ensure sustained growth and development within the healthcare industry.
In conclusion, the Federal Government’s commitment to doubling the number of medical and dental professionals in Nigeria marks a significant stride toward addressing the nation’s healthcare challenges. By expanding opportunities for various healthcare professionals and advocating for increased funding, the government aims to establish a healthcare system that delivers high-quality care to all Nigerians while mitigating the emigration of healthcare professionals to more developed countries. This initiative not only holds the promise of enhancing the healthcare sector but also contributes to the overall development and well-being of the nation.
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