Faruk Abubakar, Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the departure of more than 42,000 nurses from the country over the past three years.
Abubakar highlighted the pivotal role nurses play in the healthcare sector and emphasised the potential impact of this trend on healthcare services within Nigeria.
The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) staged a protest on Monday against the newly released certificate verification guidelines by the Council.
The guidelines now mandate Nigerian nurses and midwives seeking verification of their certificates by foreign nursing boards to possess two years of post-qualification experience.
Speaking on the matter during an interview on Channels TV on Tuesday, Abubakar addressed the escalating issue, stating, “Let me make it clear today, in the last three years over 42,000 nurses left this country and the country need them.”
“Government policies especially the present Renew Hope Agenda, a lot of policies are coming onboard, the Federal Ministry of Health came up with so many policies where Nigerian healthcare system will be improved.
“Now if we allow every Nigerian to leave as they are graduates, who are going to handle our healthcare services? Who are going to provide these services? We are Nigerians and it is our responsibility to these services.
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“So we are not against anybody travelling but Nigerians must be served and must be provided with these quality healthcare since we are producing the quality and best nurses that are working anywhere in the world. Last year alone over 15,000 left, the number is increasing year by year,” he added.
Despite the alarming statistics, Abubakar assured the public that the Federal Ministry of Health is actively working to address the concerns raised by nurses.
He stated, “I want to assure you the agency that is responsible for improving their welfare, the Federal Ministry of Health, is doing a lot to ensure the welfare they are talking about; better salary, better payment of allowances and better working environment.
“The minister of health is working hard to ensure very conducive working environment with provisions of equipment and instruments that will help them to provide quality care for Nigerians,” he assured.