Ogun State Lawmaker Calls for Salary Increase for Health Workers to Curb Brain Drain

Atobatele Lukman, a lawmaker representing Abeokuta South Constituency 1 in Ogun State, has appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase the salaries of health workers in the country. Lukman stated that this measure is necessary to address the ongoing brain drain in the health sector and improve the overall healthcare system.

The lawmaker pointed out that many health workers are leaving Nigeria for better-paying jobs abroad, with registered nurses earning up to $1,000 per day in overseas countries. This mass exodus of skilled healthcare professionals has led to a shortage of qualified staff in Nigerian hospitals and clinics.

Why this matters: The brain drain of healthcare workers from Nigeria has significant implications for the country's healthcare system and the well-being of its citizens. Addressing the issue of low salaries and inadequate funding in the health sector is critical to retaining skilled professionals and ensuring access to quality healthcare services for all Nigerians.

Lukman emphasized the need for more funding in the health sector to prevent this ongoing brain drain. He called on the government to adequately fund healthcare and provide competitive salaries to retain skilled workers within the country.

In addition to his appeal, Lukman's foundation, the Atobatele Lukman Foundation, organized a medical intervention program in Abeokuta. The initiative provided free healthcare services, including eye care, dental treatment, and surgery, to over 1,000 indigent residents. Dr. Fadeyi Olatubosun, the head of the medical team, acknowledged that the government cannot do it all and initiatives like Lukman's foundation are important in delivering quality healthcare to the people.

The beneficiaries of the program expressed gratitude for the rare intervention, which addressed their medical issues at no cost. Lukman's efforts highlight the importance of collaboration between government and private initiatives in improving healthcare access and quality in Nigeria.

Lukman reiterated his call for the federal government to take urgent action in increasing the salaries of health workers. He stated, "The government should adequately fund the health sector, as registered nurses in other countries can earn up to $1,000 per day, which is much higher than what they earn in Nigeria." The lawmaker's appeal underscores the critical need to address the brain drain crisis and strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system for the benefit of all citizens.

Key Takeaways

• Ogun lawmaker appeals for higher salaries to curb healthcare brain drain
• Registered nurses can earn up to $1,000/day abroad, far more than in Nigeria
• Lawmaker's foundation provided free healthcare services to over 1,000 residents
• Collaboration between government and private initiatives is crucial for healthcare
• Urgent action needed to address brain drain and strengthen Nigeria's healthcare