BRAIN DRAIN: GOVERNORS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE MASS DEPARTURE OF DOCTORS, SAYS TAMBUWAL

Under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), governors from the 36 states that make up the federation have voiced their worry about the brain drain that is prevalent in the health industry.

Medical professionals have been moving abroad more frequently recently in quest of better job opportunities and living conditions.

Governors in Nigeria, however, have recently expressed concern over the current trend.

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the governor of Sokoto State and the forum's chairman, expressed the concerns of the group to Dr. Osagie Ehanire, the minister of health, in Abuja.

Tambuwal stated that the Governors were concerned about the mass departure and brain drain, and he urged the federal government to intensify efforts to achieve the 25 percent necessary to ensure that all Nigerians have access to universal healthcare through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).

The Governor said: "We are witnessing brain drain over the years. It is alarming and I believe it has something to do with the welfare of medical personnel.

"I urge the federal government to do something about this urgently."

The governor also stated that the forum is constructing a strong healthcare platform dedicated to routine immunization and the polio eradication.