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.

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“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.