Investigations by findwhosabi have revealed that at least 281 Nigerian doctors are currently practicing in various African countries, according to data obtained from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. This exodus of medical professionals is occurring despite the recent declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that Nigeria and 54 other countries face significant healthcare workforce challenges related to universal health coverage.
Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, Prof. Emem Bassey, had previously stated that African countries were actively recruiting Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals, offering them competitive salaries ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. This exodus of medical professionals is having a detrimental effect on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Data from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria reveals that 153 Nigerian doctors are practicing in Sudan, followed by South Africa with 41 doctors, Egypt with 17, Ghana with 17, Uganda with 13, and Gambia with 7, among others. Additionally, the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom reports that 11,872 Nigerian-trained doctors are practicing in the UK, making Nigeria the third-highest source of foreign doctors in the country, after India and Pakistan.
Various healthcare professionals and associations in Nigeria have expressed concerns over the brain drain, highlighting issues related to remuneration, working conditions, and the general work environment. They stress the need for the government to take immediate steps to address these challenges to retain healthcare workers and improve the healthcare system in the country.
Despite Nigeria’s significant healthcare challenges, the exodus of medical professionals continues, and replacing these healthcare workers has proven to be a difficult and time-consuming process.