Health Minister, Prof. Ali Pate, has confirmed that the Federal Government has taken steps to re-engage retired medical providers in non-administrative roles through contract positions.

This decision comes as a response to the human resource gap that has emerged in the healthcare sector due to the “brain drain” affecting clinical personnel.

In a statement during a visit to the National Hospital in Abuja, the minister emphasized that human resources, particularly healthcare professionals, are among the most critical components of the sector.

He explained, “The recent circular essentially provided for medical providers who are in non-administrative positions, that is those who are in clinical positions, to be re-engaged on a contract basis on the same terms as they were so that we do not lose the few that are remaining.”

He further pointed out that this initiative is aimed at reducing the strain on the existing healthcare workforce.

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The scarcity of medical practitioners has led to challenging conditions for those still working in the sector. Prof. Ali Pate shared an example, saying, “This hospital, for instance, we have had about 15 anesthesiologists over the last several years, the last few months alone many have gone.

We have six that are remaining, some of them are about to leave, and we have to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

The focus, he noted, is to provide the services that Nigerians require and deserve while supporting healthcare workers, improving their work conditions, and reducing their stress levels.

The government is also planning to expedite the replacement of healthcare workers who leave their positions, ensuring that hospitals can fill the void with similarly qualified healthcare providers.

In addition, the minister emphasized the need to accelerate the process for postgraduate trainees to enter internships and gain valuable experience in healthcare.

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Prof. Ali Pate concluded by stating that the federal government is determined to retain healthcare professionals willing to return to service.

He acknowledged the complexities surrounding healthcare employment due to the pressure on healthcare facilities and a challenging job market but affirmed the government’s commitment to resolving these issues.