In a bid to tackle the growing issue of brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to leverage the expertise of Nigerian doctors working abroad.
This initiative aims to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by incorporating contributions from medical professionals based in nations such as the UK, US, and Ireland.
During a town hall meeting at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq ’Kule Salako, shared details of the government’s approach.
Dr. Salako emphasized that while efforts are ongoing to expand the training capacity for healthcare workers within Nigeria, there is also a focus on engaging medical professionals in the diaspora.
“We are increasing our ability to train health workers while also connecting with Nigerian professionals abroad. Even if they are not physically present, their contributions can significantly impact the sector,” he stated.
He further revealed that President Bola Tinubu has granted special approval for the recruitment of healthcare workers, ensuring that the sector receives priority attention.
Call for Legal Framework for Institute of Psychiatry
Meanwhile, the Provost and Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Afis Agboola, has urged the Federal Government to provide legal recognition for the newly established Institute of Psychiatry at the hospital.
Dr. Agboola noted that while progress had been slow over the years, former Health Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, played a crucial role in securing financial backing from the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Budget Planning in 2023.
He stressed that legal backing is essential for the Institute to fulfill its mandate effectively and called on the Minister of State for Health to facilitate the process.
“We appeal to the Honourable Minister to expedite this crucial legal process,” Dr. Agboola stated.
Tracing the hospital’s journey, he highlighted that Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital, which started as an asylum in 1944, has evolved into Nigeria’s largest mental health facility, boasting over 570 beds and providing specialized services such as addiction treatment, forensic psychiatry, and child and adolescent mental healthcare.
He also recalled the hospital’s global recognition when the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health in 1979.
Dr. Agboola further appealed for infrastructural improvements to enhance service delivery, expressing hope that the minister’s visit would lead to concrete changes.
In response, Dr. Salako assured the hospital’s management that the legal framework for the Institute would be secured. He invited them to Abuja to discuss the matter further but cautioned against excessive expansion that might detract from the hospital’s core specialized functions.
Minister Addresses FMC Abeokuta Staff Concerns
During his visit to the Federal Medical Center (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Salako held discussions with healthcare workers, addressing their concerns regarding salaries and other welfare issues.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving these challenges, inspecting ongoing projects at the hospital. The Chief Medical Director, Prof. Musa Olomu, commended the government’s efforts in creating a conducive working environment for healthcare professionals.
FG and Ogun State Strengthen Collaboration
As part of efforts to implement the Mental Health Act at the state level, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, confirmed the state’s commitment to domesticating the law.
Dr. Coker emphasized that Ogun State is working closely with the Federal Government to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve primary healthcare services.
Echoing this stance, Dr. Agboola of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, expressed readiness to collaborate with the state government in adopting the Mental Health Act. He stressed the need for state policies to align with federal initiatives to improve mental health services across Ogun State.
