Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of teaching hospitals across the country have raised the alarm over the growing brain drain in the health sector.
They lamented the exodus of medical professionals who leave the country in droves in search of better opportunities abroad.
They expressed this concern during a budget defence session before the House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Institutions, chaired by Patrick Umoh.
But, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate assured that the government was actively addressing the exodus of doctors and other health practitioners through short and long-term strategies.
Among those who attended the session were the CMDs of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Prof. Emem Bassey; Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo; and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Abiodun, among others.
Prof. Bassey said UUTH returned N1,056,034,392.80 to the Federal Government in 2024 due to staff shortages.
The amount, originally allocated for salaries, could not be utilised because of unfilled vacancies resulting from staff resignations.
“For 2024, our total capital appropriation was N20,617,154,692.56, broken down into personnel costs of N12,874,350,949.56, overhead of N240,186,681.00 (about N20 million monthly), and capital expenses of N7,502,617,062.00.
“Personnel releases totalled N11,818,316,556.72, leaving a balance of N1,056,034,392.80, which was mopped up by December 31 due to unfulfilled recruitment,” Bassey explained.
Prof. Adeyemo of LUTH stressed the urgent need to improve remuneration for health workers to curb the brain drain, warning that Nigerian hospitals could soon be empty if the trend continues.
“The primary reason workers are leaving is economic. We witness resignations every day. If this continues unchecked, our hospitals may become empty in the next one or two years.
“While the government invests in infrastructure, hospitals remain empty due to the lack of staff,” Adeyemo said.
Prof. Abiodun of UCH expressed frustration over delayed fund releases, which he said had hampered operations.
He said only 38 per cent of the hospital’s N5.59 billion capital appropriation for 2024 had been released, leaving a balance of 72 per cent.
“Payments only began in December. We were able to utilize the 38 per cent because we had already prepared a cash plan.
“For 2025, we are proposing N4.39 billion for capital, slightly lower than 2024, as we had to adjust to the envelope system,” Abiodun stated.
He added that UCH’s overhead budget proposal for 2025 is N690 million, reflecting an increase due to rising electricity bills from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
Pate said the Federal Government was addressing the issue.
He said: “Waivers have been officially granted to CMDs of tertiary health institutions, empowering them to recruit health personnel based on their specific needs and operational requirements.
“In a concerted effort to improve healthcare delivery, the President has directed the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to collaborate with various key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Service, the Budget Office, the Ministry of Labour, and the Federal Character Commission.
“This collaboration aims to thoroughly evaluate and consider the waiver requests submitted by tertiary health institutions.
“This initiative is a crucial component of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to address the significant professional gaps in the healthcare system.
“By enabling these institutions to bring in qualified personnel tailored to their unique demands, the government seeks to enhance the overall quality of care provided to the public and ensure that health facilities are adequately staffed to meet various health challenges.”
