The Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Faruk Abubakar, has said that over 42,000 nurses left the country in the past three years.
Abubakar, disclosed this while speaking on Channels TV on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, on the controversy surrounding the new certificate verification guidelines released by the council.
Recall that the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) had kicked against the new guidelines which require Nigerian nurses and midwives seeking verification of certificate(s) to foreign nursing boards or councils to have two years post-qualification experience.
āLet me make it clear today, in the last three years over 42,000 nurses left this country and the country needs them,ā Abubakar said.
āGovernment policies especially the present Renew Hope Agenda, a lot of policies are coming onboard, the Federal Ministry of Health came up with so many policies where Nigerian healthcare system will be improved.
āNow if we allow every Nigerian to leave as they are graduates, who are going to handle our healthcare services? Who is going to provide these services? We are Nigerians and it is our responsibility to these services.
āSo we are not against anybody travelling but Nigerians must be served and must be provided with this quality healthcare since we are producing the quality and best nurses that are working anywhere in the world. Last year alone over 15,000 left, the number is increasing year by year,ā he added.
Peoplesmind
