In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a worrying trend: a mass exodus of medical professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Dr. Yusuf Haroun, CEO of Love for Health Organization urges the Federal Government to take immediate and drastic steps to curb this brain drain, which is severely affecting the healthcare system.
Speaking to a gathering of healthcare experts and government officials, Dr. Haroun emphasized that the migration of medical professionals is not only about seeking greener pastures but also reflects the deteriorating working conditions within Nigeria’s healthcare system. He pointed out that many healthcare workers leave due to poor remuneration, lack of access to modern medical technology, and insufficient opportunities for career development.
The Alarming Trend of Medical Emigration
Over the past few years, the migration of Nigerian healthcare workers, particularly doctors and nurses, to countries such as the UK, Canada, and the USA has reached an unprecedented level.
This emigration is often fueled by several factors: better pay, improved working conditions, access to cutting-edge medical technologies, and opportunities for professional advancement. The deteriorating conditions within Nigeria’s healthcare system characterized by low wages, inadequate facilities, and poor infrastructure—are driving many to seek a better life abroad.
Dr. Haroun warns that this brain drain is leaving public health institutions, already overstretched and underfunded, in a critical state. Patients are now facing longer waiting times, fewer specialists, and a decline in the overall quality of healthcare delivery.
“The impact of this brain drain is already being felt across the country. Our healthcare system is suffering, and if we don’t act now, it may soon reach a point of no return,” Haroun said.
Nigeria’s healthcare system is already struggling with a myriad of challenges, including high maternal and infant mortality rates, infectious disease outbreaks, and a growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
The country’s doctor-to-patient ratio, currently standing at 1 doctor for every 5,000 patients, is far below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1 doctor per 600 patients. The continued emigration of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals is pushing the system toward collapse.
Dr. Haroun emphasized that addressing the root causes driving medical professionals away is the only solution. This includes improving working conditions, offering competitive salaries, and upgrading medical infrastructure.
Root Causes of the Brain Drain
Many healthcare professionals in Nigeria feel a sense of disillusionment and frustration. Hospitals across the country are underfunded, medical equipment is outdated, and there is a lack of support for research and development. These issues are compounded by the insufficient funding for continuing education and professional development.
“Our healthcare workers are among the best-trained in the world, but they are not given the tools and resources to succeed in Nigeria.
They go through rigorous training, but when it comes to practice, they face insurmountable challenges due to the lack of basic equipment and poor working conditions.”
According to Haroun, if the government fails to address these issues, Nigeria will continue to lose its best medical professionals to countries that offer better opportunities and working conditions.
Recommendations
Dr. Haroun proposed several strategies to retain medical professionals in Nigeria. He called on the government to introduce incentive programs that could encourage healthcare workers to remain in the country.
These incentives might include offering housing benefits, tax breaks, and scholarships for advanced education and specialization. He also stressed the importance of improving working environments where healthcare workers feel valued and appreciated for their contributions.
In addition to financial incentives, Haroun highlighted the need for a cultural shift within the healthcare system. He believes that healthcare professionals should be seen as assets rather than expendable workers.
“We must create a more supportive and respectful work environment for our healthcare workers,” he said. “They need to feel valued and respected for the critical roles they play in saving lives.”
“If we take the right steps now, we can not only prevent our medical professionals from leaving, but we can also attract those who have left back to Nigeria,” Haroun said.
The Role of Dr. Haroun and Love for Health Organization
Dr. Yusuf Haroun, widely known as Dr. Love on social media, is a highly respected healthcare professional with an impressive academic and professional background.
He holds a First Class Honors MBA in Healthcare Administration from Franklin University, Columbus, Ohio, USA. He also completed a certification in General Psychiatric Management (GPM) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) from Harvard Medical School.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Haroun has international experience, having worked as a licensed medical professional in Saudi Arabia from 2015 to 2017. This global perspective has shaped his approach to healthcare delivery and his desire to improve Nigeria’s healthcare system.
As the CEO of Love for Health Organization, a global healthcare initiative aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, Dr. Haroun is dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and finding sustainable solutions. His organization focuses on providing support to underserved communities and aims to make a lasting impact on global health outcomes.
Join our Channel...