Daud Olatunji
In a proactive move aimed at curbing the ongoing brain drain plaguing Nigeria’s health sector, exacerbated by the ‘japa syndrome’, the Federal Government has announced plans to harness the expertise of Nigerian doctors abroad.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the initiative seeks to bolster the country’s healthcare system by tapping into the contributions of Nigerian medical professionals currently practicing in countries like the UK, US, and Ireland.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq ‘Kule Salako, revealed this strategic approach during a recent town hall meeting held at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Dr. Salako emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding the capacity for local health worker training while concurrently engaging Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad.
The move according to him, is part of a broader strategy to address the brain drain in the health sector, exacerbated by the “japa syndrome” that has seen many medical practitioners leave the country.
He said “We are expanding our capacity to train health workers, we are also harvesting the Nigerian health workers in diaspora – we are having a robust diasporan engagement with Nigerians health workers in the UK, US, Ireland, they may not be physically presence but we can still harvest their contributions to the health sector in Nigeria.
“Mr President has given us a weaver to recruit more health workers than any other sector. These are the mechanism we are putting in place to make sure that we address the challenges at the health sector.”
Acknowledging the severity of the brain drain phenomenon, Dr. Salako highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of more health workers than any other sector.
… Agboola Seeks Legal Backing For Institute Of Psychiatry
The Provost and Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Afis Agboola, called on the Federal Government to provide legal backing for the newly established Institute of Psychiatry at the hospital.
Dr. Agboola highlighted that while the vision for the Institute had faced numerous setbacks over the years, it gained significant momentum under former Minister of Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in 2023.
According to Agboola, Alausa facilitated financial approval from the Federal Ministry of Finance and National Budget Planning, enabling the Institute’s operations to take shape.
He stressed the importance of legal recognition for the Institute to fully realize its objectives and urged the minister to expedite the process.
“Our entire staff and patients earnestly appeal to the Honourable Minister to facilitate this crucial process,” Agboola stated.
Tracing the hospital’s legacy, he noted that Aro Neuropsychiatric Hospital, which began as an asylum in Lantoro in 1944, has grown into Nigeria’s largest mental health center.
“ With over 570 beds, the facility provides services ranging from drug addiction treatment to forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent mental health care, and psychogeriatric services.”
Agboola also stressed the hospital’s global recognition in 1979 when the World Health Organization (WHO) designated it a Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for mental health advancements in Nigeria and West Africa.
“The people of Ogun State, through their traditional rulers, take immense pride in Aro Hospital’s achievements,” Agboola said, emphasizing local and international appreciation for the facility’s impact.
He further appealed for urgent infrastructural upgrades to meet the growing demand for specialized mental health services.
He expressed optimism that the minister’s visit—his third in five years—would translate into tangible improvements for both patients and staff.
“We remain committed to upholding our standards of excellence in mental health services and training medical experts who have reached the highest echelons of international health organizations,” Agboola affirmed.
He stated that the hospital looks forward to expanded facilities that will enhance service delivery and cement its role as a premier mental health institution in Africa.
Salako while responding to the Provost and MD, please to ensure the legal backing is secured .
He asked the management of the hospital to meet him in Abuja where the issues could be sorted.
He however cautioned the hospital management over the planned expansion, urging them to protest their core function as a specialized hospital.
… Minister Visits FMC, Allays Workers’ Fears Over Salary,.Others
The Minister also held a town hall meeting with the workers of the Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, and allayed their fears over salary and emoluments among others.
Addressing concerns raised by healthcare workers at the Federal Medical Center, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Dr. Salako reassured them of the government’s commitment to resolving issues related to salaries, emoluments, and infrastructure challenges within the health sector.
The Minister’s visit, which included an inspection of ongoing projects within the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, received commendation from the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Musa Olomu, who praised the government for creating an enabling environment for healthcare practitioners.
… FG, Ogun Agree On Collaboration
In response to the Federal Government’s call for states to domesticate the Mental Health Act, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, affirmed the state’s commitment to implementing this crucial legislation.
Dr. Coker highlighted ongoing collaborations with the federal government to upgrade healthcare facilities and improve primary health services across the state.
Echoing these sentiments, the Provost and Medical Director of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Paul Agboola, expressed readiness to partner with the state government in domesticating the Mental Health Act in Ogun State.
Dr. Agboola emphasized the importance of aligning state policies with federal initiatives to enhance mental health care delivery for residents.
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