From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions has said that the migration of health workers is posing a serious challenge to the country’s healthcare system.
The chairman of the committee, Amos Gwamna Magaji, stated this on Thursday while speaking at a public hearing on 16 bills seeking the establishment of health institutions in different parts of the country.
Magaji noted that, owing to the increase in the country’s population, there is a need to make reference hospitals closer to the people, particularly in rural and suburban areas.
“Recently, there has been an enormous migration of doctors, nurses, and other health workers in search of ‘greener pastures’ in other countries, leaving Nigeria’s health sector severely understaffed.
“There is a need to reposition the healthcare sector to meet numerous emerging challenges, which is crucial for its improvement. To succeed in this era, a system that is well-invested in human resources and medical intelligence as the backbone of the health sector is required.
“The administrative appointment of capable persons based on merit in hospital management also plays a role. Proper human resource management is critical to providing high-quality healthcare. Effective human resource management strategies are critical for improving healthcare outcomes and access in Nigeria,” the lawmaker stated.