President Bola Tinubu has made a significant commitment to address the alarming trend of Nigerian medical professionals migrating abroad in search of better opportunities. Speaking in Abuja during the 50th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the West African College of Physicians, Tinubu expressed the government's determination to encourage healthcare workers to return and serve in Nigeria.

The President, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to improve the working conditions for healthcare professionals. He stated, "We will work hard to stem the trend of Japa so that we have the people coming back to serve in our region," referring to the local term for the emigration of skilled individuals.

In the past two and a half years, the Federal Government has reportedly recruited over 30,000 health professionals into federal health facilities. Tinubu emphasized the importance of not only increasing the number of trained healthcare workers but also improving their working conditions and providing incentives to retain them in Nigeria.

The ongoing migration of doctors and other health professionals has placed additional strain on Nigeria's already stretched healthcare system. Factors contributing to this exodus include inadequate remuneration, poor working conditions, and limited career progression opportunities. Health experts have consistently called for reforms that would make staying in Nigeria or returning from abroad more appealing.

To address these issues, Tinubu announced plans to enhance healthcare infrastructure, expand health insurance coverage, and strengthen primary healthcare delivery. He asserted that quality healthcare should be a fundamental right accessible to every Nigerian, not just a privilege for the few. The government is reportedly investing in constructing, rehabilitating, and equipping health facilities, while also modernizing tertiary hospitals and revitalizing primary healthcare centers.

In light of recent health emergencies, including the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in parts of Africa, the President emphasized the need for enhanced disease surveillance and regional collaboration. He noted that infectious diseases know no borders and called for a coordinated response to health threats. Nigeria confirmed an imported case of Ebola in the Federal Capital Territory on October 20, following a patient's travel from Uganda.

Tinubu reiterated the government's commitment to strengthening the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and other health security institutions to protect the population and support regional health security. He expressed confidence in achieving an Ebola-free West Africa, emphasizing that this goal requires sustained political commitment and cooperation among countries.

The conference also featured remarks from Dr. Mamadou-Mourtalla Ka, President of the West African College of Physicians, who praised the college's efforts over the past five decades in promoting excellence in medical education and healthcare delivery. He acknowledged the region's ongoing health challenges, including the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and inequalities in healthcare access.

The event brought together 1,376 participants, including physicians from across West Africa, showcasing the importance of collaboration in addressing common health challenges. The conference also focused on the future of medical education and the need for greater support for younger healthcare professionals, ensuring the continued growth and resilience of the medical community in the region.