Abuja, Aug. 19, 2024 – The Tinubu Media Volunteers Group (TMV) says the newly introduced national policy on health will address the age-long concerns of Nigerians about healthcare delivery while it will also reverse the brain drain syndrome in the health sector.
The group made this observation on Monday in a statement signed by its Chairman, Chukwudi Enekwechi, and Secretary, Sunday Shedrach Gyungoun.
The TVM described the new national health policy as an affirmation of the readiness of the President Bola Tinubu administration to completely turn around the sector.
The TVM recalled that prior to the new policy, Nigeria’s health sector had been riddled with many challenges, chief among which is the propensity of the country’s health professionals, including doctors and nurses to travel abroad in search of greener pastures.
“But with the comprehensive new policy thrust whereby several incentives have been rolled out, we have no doubt that it will, in no small measure, serve as a watershed in bringing a positive change to the sector.
“We note that some of the new measures that will enhance the envisaged transformation include improved working conditions of health practitioners and advanced health technology equipments will help boost health tourism and encourage Nigeria health professionals to stay back and work in the country.
“The new policy which seeks to integrate advanced health technologies will have Electronic Medical Records (EMR), telehealth services, and a comprehensive health workforce registry. This, we believe, will enhance a more efficient and data-driven health system.
“The federal government also has a broad plan for the Nigerian health sector capacity-building, encouraging diaspora return and facilitating reciprocal agreements with other countries, while ensuring that the interest of the country is fully protected.
“We believe that the new policy is far-reaching, and if well implemented will have a tremendous impact on the lives of Nigerians as health professionals will play a pivotal role in realising the renewed hope agenda of the Tinubu administration.
“One other important aspect of the policy is the regular review of working conditions of health workers, especially in rural and under-served areas,”
The group added that the policy will go a long way to ensure that the country has a conducive environment for health workers. (GBN)
