Brain Drain: FG laments on Japa Syndrome

Minister of State for Health, Ekumankama Nkama has raised alarm saying the increased migration witnessed across the country is affecting government hospitals

He lamented the acute shortage of doctors, nurses and other professionals due to the “Japa” syndrome, stating that some wards in some hospitals are closed for lack of personnel to manage them

The Minister who was repsented at the event by the Director, National Cancer Control Programme of the ministry, Dr David Atuwo, said; 
“This ‘japa’ syndrome is adversely affecting services in our hospitals, to the extent that some wards are closed for lack of personnel to man them

Speaking at the inauguration of bedded Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, and Labour ward at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Nkama disclosed that the Ministry of Health is working on a brain gain mechanism whereby Nigerian-born health professionals in the diaspora can be incentivised to come home and give paid expert service to citizens.