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A total of 10,697 medical laboratory scientists has left the country.
Dr. Tosan Erhabor, registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), who made the disclosure said more than 4,504 medical laboratory scientists left in 2023.
But he said a policy is being put together by the Federal Ministry of Health to address the challenge. The policy when launched would regulate migration of Nigerian health workers.
Erhabor said government has reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity.
“Government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowance of health professionals.
“Safe and conducive work environment can be a panacea to reducing the pace of brain drain amongst medical laboratories,” he said.
Erhabor attributed the migration by medical scientists from the country to different reasons.
“Some are leaving as a result of poor remuneration and uncertainties in the career progression in Teaching Hospitals. Others are leaving in order to study abroad, acquire new skills and enhance their professional status.
“Good numbers are also leaving because of the security situation in the country, poor infrastructure and lack of modern equipment to work with. Above all the rising cost of living that is making it practically impossible for an average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children,” he said.
According to him, the scientists’ preferred destinations are the United Kingdom, America and Canada.
