The Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative (NHSRI), launched in December 2023, is a key part of the government's plan to bring lasting changes to the sector, according to Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
Human Resource Challenges and Workforce Expansion
Salako highlighted the long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s health workforce, including underinvestment, poor working conditions, and pressures from emigration. To tackle these issues, the government introduced a Human Resources for Health Development Strategy. This strategy aims to improve training and expand the workforce.
He noted that since 2023, the number of medical and dental admissions has increased by 38% and 62%, respectively. There has also been a 32% rise in medical schools and 27% in dental schools, with an additional 20 schools in the accreditation process. In 2024, 4,399 doctors and 274 dentists graduated, and 19 new nursing schools were established.
Salako also mentioned that in 2024, about 15,000 health workers were employed due to reforms in the recruitment process for federal health institutions.
Migration Management and Retention Efforts
To manage health worker migration, the government introduced the National Health Workforce Migration policy and launched a National Health Workforce Registry. Additionally, the government is expanding residency slots, internship placements, and improving pay and incentives to retain talent, especially in underserved areas.
Energy for Health Initiative
Salako pointed out that infrastructure issues, particularly power supply, hinder quality healthcare. In response, the Ministry of Health is working on an “Energy for Health” initiative, deploying solar hybrid systems to eliminate power outages in hospitals. Facilities like the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, are already seeing improvements.
The ministry also launched the “Power in the Health Sector” programme to attract investment and address energy gaps in healthcare institutions.
Challenges Persist
Despite progress, Nigeria continues to face challenges, including a significant loss of medical professionals. Over 16,000 doctors have left Nigeria in the past five to seven years, a trend described as a major economic loss. Training one doctor costs more than $21,000, emphasizing the financial impact of this emigration.