Brain Drain: Stakeholders Task FG To Take Drastic Measures

A former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and the President, Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna, have called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to halt the issue of brain drain in the health sector. They spoke at a two-day national conference held in Abuja, which was attended by pharmacists, nurses, radiographers, dietitians and medical laboratory scientists.

Dr. Mimiko said the reason many Nigerian doctors and other health professionals are running to other countries was that the country had not given its health sector the needed attention.

The doctor-turned-politician also urged President Bola Tinubu, to channel his planned palliatives and part of the money saved from subsidy payments to the health sector if it hopes to curb the brain drain syndrome. Meanwhile, Dr. Ogbonna in an interview session with newsmen, also described the trend as worrisome.

Dr. Ogbonna added that it was disturbing that some of the health workers leaving are those that have garnered experience.

He however called on the government to look into the areas of welfare and remuneration.