The Nigerian healthcare sector is facing a critical staffing deficit, with a new survey indicating that only 36 formal health jobs have been advertised despite a massive exodus of medical professionals.
The data, compiled by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), highlights the severity of the 'japa' phenomenon, where skilled workers are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
Ali Pate noting that approximately 45 million Nigerians rely on the national healthcare system.
This minimal recruitment effort stands in sharp contrast to the deteriorating state of the nation's health infrastructure.
A coalition of concerned Nigerians has recently urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in the healthcare sector, citing worsening manpower shortages and declining access to essential services.
The coalition argues that the current trajectory threatens the stability of public health delivery across the country.
The government has acknowledged the scale of the challenge, with Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate noting that approximately 45 million Nigerians rely on the national healthcare system.