The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, has expressed concern that the current number of healthcare workers in Nigeria, estimated at around 400,000, is insufficient to adequately meet the healthcare needs of the country’s 220 million people.
Prof. Pate made this assertion during a press briefing in Abuja, following a three-day meeting with various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
The primary purpose of the meeting was to develop a blueprint for the improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The 400,000-strong healthcare workforce includes community health workers, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physicians, lab scientists, technicians, and other healthcare support staff.
Prof. Pate emphasized that this number falls short of the World Health Organization’s recommendations for doctor-to-population ratios.
“In developed countries, where aging healthcare professionals are retiring, they are in need of more healthcare workers to provide services. So, if we consider this, we can produce more healthcare workers not only to meet our own needs but also to send some abroad to gain experience and resources,” Prof. Pate explained.
He noted that the shortage of healthcare workers is a global issue, with a deficit of nearly 18 million healthcare professionals worldwide.
However, he also highlighted the potential for Nigerian healthcare workers to return and serve their country if infrastructure is improved, and they are treated with respect.
Prof. Pate acknowledged the significant contribution of existing healthcare workers and expressed the need to support and develop the current workforce while simultaneously training and retraining healthcare professionals.
Regarding the issue of medical tourism, Prof. Pate recognized that this trend exists in many countries, with individuals seeking more affordable healthcare options abroad.
He emphasized the importance of not using public funds for medical tourism and suggested mobilizing private capital to invest in healthcare infrastructure and human resources.
“We have begun discussing mechanisms to expand the healthcare value chain, so we can provide services that people currently seek abroad,” he said. “For example, if you want plastic surgery, there’s no need to use government funds for it. We can provide these services in Nigeria.”
While medical tourism may not be completely eradicated due to people’s preferences, Prof. Pate assured that the government would use human capital, private sector investments, and innovation to offer high-quality healthcare services within the country.
Prof. Pate also discussed financing for the healthcare sector, noting that the bulk of Nigeria’s health budget comes from the government, with a smaller portion contributed by development partners.
He emphasized the importance of transparency and collaboration between the government and external partners to improve healthcare financing and delivery in Nigeria.
