Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health, stated that the Federal Government has instructed health workers seeking opportunities abroad to quit their jobs before leaving.
Alausa mentioned that health workers can no longer leave for other countries for better opportunities after applying for time off.
The minister explained that the ban on health workers taking time off is due to an executive order from President Bola Tinubu, aimed at addressing the issue of brain drain, also known as ‘Japa Syndrome,’ in the nation’s health sector.
Alausa also revealed that the FG has increased the annual enrolment of nurses from 28,000 to 68,000, with plans to further raise it to 120,000 by the end of the year.
During his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the minister shared this information on Saturday.
He emphasized that the President values the nation's people as the most important asset and has taken proactive measures to ensure the health sector remains strong, thus safeguarding the well-being of the citizens.
Discussing the shortage of manpower in FG-owned health institutions, Alausa stated, “The government is aware of the impact of brain drain on our health sector and the President has ordered the substantial increase in the production of manpower to ensure replacements are always available.
“As a result, we are focusing on expanding nurse enrolment from 28,000 to 68,000, with the goal of reaching 120,000 by the end of the year, ensuring a sufficient pool of skilled manpower to fill vacated positions.
“We have also doubled the enrolment for doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and others.
He clarified, “We are not stopping anyone from moving or working in the UK or Australia, as it is a free world.”
Alausa added, “However, individuals must choose between leaving for other countries and resigning from their FG appointments, as per the Presidential executive order communicated to all the Chief Medical Directors of FG-owned health facilities.
“The issue with taking time off is that the individual is abroad working while still considered a staff of the government, making it difficult to replace them. Hence, the President has directed health workers to simply resign before going abroad, rather than applying for time off.
“By doing this, individuals will not hinder others who wish to work and will not burden their colleagues back home.
In response to the hospital's requests for more funding, better infrastructure, and improved welfare, Alausa stated that the ministry is committed to making necessary improvements in the country's health sector.
In an earlier speech, Dr. Paul Agboola, the Provost and Chief Medical Director of the hospital, praised the Minister for his dedication and determination to bring about positive change in the health sector.
The CMD mentioned that following the Minister's approval, his administration had initiated projects like the Institute of Psychiatric for the hospital, which had been in development for around 40 years, along with others.
