The Registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Tosan Erhabor, has revealed that 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have left the country.
Speaking to reporters, Erhabor highlighted the critical need for a policy from the Federal Ministry of Health to address the trend.
Erhabor stressed the urgency of regulating the migration of Nigerian health workers to stem the exodus of medical laboratory scientists from the country.
He emphasized the need for a policy framework to manage and control this migration.
The registrar further disclosed that the government is actively considering revising the hazard allowance for health professionals to elevate their productivity.
Additionally, he said discussions are ongoing to review the minimum wage and specific allowances for health professionals to improve their working conditions.
Addressing the reasons behind the mass migration, Erhabor pointed out that various factors drove the departure of over 4,504 medical laboratory scientists in 2023 alone.
These include inadequate remuneration, uncertainties in career advancement within teaching hospitals, educational opportunities abroad, and endeavours to acquire new skills and enhance professional status.
Erhabor emphasized creating a safe and favourable work environment to mitigate the brain drain among medical laboratory scientists.
He stressed the significance of addressing these challenges to retain skilled professionals within the country’s healthcare system.
”The situation calls for immediate attention and concrete measures to retain talent, improve working conditions, and provide opportunities for career growth within Nigeria’s healthcare sector,” he said.
