President Bola Tinubu has expressed concern over the increasing number of health workers leaving Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad, often referred to as the “japa syndrome,” according to his Special Adviser on Public Health Matters, Dr. Salma Anas. She made this statement during the 2023 annual conference of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, held in Abuja, which focused on the theme “Universal Health Coverage: The Medical Laboratories Priority in Nigeria.”

Anas explained that the exodus of health professionals was a challenge inherited from previous administrations, and President Tinubu is determined to reverse this trend by retaining and motivating health experts within the country.

“President Bola Tinubu is deeply worried about the ‘japa syndrome’,” Anas said. “We are committed to addressing this issue by ensuring that our medical professionals are motivated, not just through timely payment of salaries and allowances but by creating a conducive work environment equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities, particularly at the primary healthcare level.”

She also highlighted the government’s plan to boost the production of health professionals across various fields to meet the growing healthcare needs of the country.

In his remarks, the National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Bassey Bassey, emphasized the association’s ongoing efforts to eliminate quackery in the health sector. He noted that AMLSN, in collaboration with its partners, has shut down several unregistered laboratories to curb the incidence of wrong diagnoses and illegal activities.

Bassey further disclosed that plans are underway to initiate the local production of medical equipment and essential supplies in Nigeria to enhance the country’s healthcare infrastructure and reduce dependence on imports.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s health sector is equipped to meet the nation’s healthcare challenges, retain its skilled workforce, and improve healthcare delivery.