Mrs Mary Oritimehin, Provost of Oasis College of Nursing Sciences in Abuja, has called on governments to improve the remuneration of nurses. This, according to her, would motivate them to give their best to the profession. The Provost made this appeal during the matriculation of 113 students of the college in Abuja.
Oritimehin noted that Nigerian nurses abroad are highly valued due to the rigorous training they receive. However, she lamented that poor remuneration and working conditions in Nigeria are driving nurses out of the country in search of better opportunities. It is a paradox that huge resources are being spent training nurses in Nigeria, only for them to leave the country and develop healthcare systems elsewhere.
Experts say that addressing this challenge requires intentional policy aimed at making life easier for nurses. This would enable them to practice their profession in Nigeria without undue stress. The Provost believes that governments should make concerted efforts to retain trained nurses by providing them with better remuneration, self-esteem, and a conducive working environment.
The Nigerian government must take concrete steps to address the brain drain in the health sector. Mrs Oritimehin's call for improved remuneration and working conditions for nurses is a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting this critical sector. The fact that two nurses are often expected to attend to over 40 patients is a recipe for disaster, not just for the nurses' mental health but also for the image of the nursing profession. It's time for governments to prioritize the welfare of nurses and invest in a healthcare system that values their contributions. By doing so, they can retain the expertise of trained nurses and develop a robust healthcare system that benefits all Nigerians.
