By Adeboye Philip
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service, NHS, has recognized Nigeria as one of its top contributors to the healthcare sector.
In a recent ranking released by the NHS, Nigeria secured the fifth position out of 101 countries, with 10,494 immigrants actively serving within the NHS system.
This acknowledgment comes amidst concerns raised by the International College of Surgeons, Nigerian Section, regarding the significant emigration of Nigerian doctors to the UK for better opportunities.
The College estimated that over the past six years, approximately 6,221 Nigerian doctors have migrated to the UK.
This trend has contributed to a challenging healthcare scenario in Nigeria, where the doctor-to-patient ratio currently stands at 1 doctor to over 4,000 patients, deviating significantly from the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 1 doctor to 600 patients.
“One NHS, many nationalities, the NHS said in a post on X. ”Huge thanks to every single person who helps keep the NHS going.”
The UK boasts over one million citizens employed within its healthcare service, with Indians comprising the largest foreign staff contingent at 32,117, followed by Filipinos at 25,423. Irish nationals rank third with 14,151 staff, while Polish nationals hold fourth place with 10,520. Nigerians, ranking fifth, have significantly contributed to the UK health workforce, now numbering about 12,494 due to mass emigration.
African countries also feature prominently, with Zimbabwe contributing 4,780 staff, Ghana 3,395, and Egypt 2,895. Various health crises on the continent have spurred medical professionals to seek opportunities abroad.
The United States contributes 1,514 health professionals to the British NHS, while countries like Saudi Arabia and Brunei have smaller representation, with 70 and 72 citizens respectively employed within the NHS.
