Pate: Some health workers abroad are considering returning home

Muhammad Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says successful Nigerian health workers abroad are considering returning home if the enabling infrastructure is provided.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday, Pate said “japa” in the health sector is a “global phenomenon”.

The health minister said some Nigerian health workers who travelled abroad want to return to the country to contribute their own quota.

Pate said there are some Nigerians who have the opportunity to travel abroad but decided to stay back in Nigeria, adding that the country is not appreciating this set of health workers enough.

“Some go to get training abroad but the expectation is to get better skills and contribute at home,” the minister said.

“Some who have been successful are also beginning to think of how to come back if the enabling infrastructure is provided.

“There are also thousands who are here that despite the opportunity to travel abroad, they are not travelling abroad and we do not appreciate them. We have to appreciate those who are here already.”

Pate said most of the medical doctors in the country are in Lagos, Abuja, and a few urban centres, adding that the country is battling “huge distribution challenge”.

“Can you believe that most of the doctors and high professionals are in Lagos, Abuja and a few other urban centres? So, there is a huge distribution challenge,” he said.

The minister said he is working with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to improve the remuneration of health workers in the country.