The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says it will discuss the incentives proposed in the national policy on health workforce migration with the federal government.
Speaking with NAN on Friday, Bala Audu, NMA president, said the policy failed to provide details of the incentives proposed for workers in the sector.
“When you discuss this with most healthcare providers, the single most important incentive among other things for them is improved take-home salaries,“ he said.
“Something they will be able to use to cater for their well-being and that of their dependents and for the education of their children.
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“We are going to approach government to discuss the nature and extent of the incentives.”
Audu cited recent kidnapping of medical workers asked the federal government to also prioritise the security of healthcare providers in the country.
“The other issue is security because many cited insecurity as some of the reasons amongst others that make them leave,“ he said.
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“We know insecurity is a general problem in this country, but workplace security is very critical.
“Some of the cases that are still pending, regarding kidnap of doctors and other health care providers, include a case where the kidnap actually took place within the workplace premises.
“So, improving workplace environment, both in terms of security and in terms of providing the necessary comfort at the working environment that will enable health care providers to give the best productivity, is also a welcome idea.”
He said the association would engage in constructive dialogue with the government to ensure the implementation of the policy.
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“We have no fear about the policy, but our only concern is the implementation. If we implement what the policy says, I believe we can improve the existing situation,” he said.
Added that if well implemented, the provisions of the policy are enough to retain the health workforce in Nigeria and attract those who have migrated.
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