Disturbed by the migration of doctors, nurses and other medical workers to Europe and America for greener pasture, the Federal government has floated a policy to ensure that every deserting doctor or nurse is replaced immediately.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja, insisted that Nigeria does not have a shortage of doctors and other health workers.
Ehanire, who described the proposed policy as ‘one for replacing one, said: “I have heard the complaints that doctors are leaving the system. But actually, we have enough doctors in the country because we are producing up to 2,000 to 3,000 doctors every year in the country, and the number leaving is less than 1,000. Just that the recruitment process needs to be smoothened.”
Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ifedayo Adetifa, said there was no shortage of COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, but rather, a paucity of arms to uptake the vaccine.
He, therefore, advised Nigerians to get vaccinated with the vaccine, as they are readily available at all designated centres and hospitals in all nooks and crannies of the country.
“Vaccines are available, but there is a shortage of arms to receive them. Please tell people to present their arms so that we can have more uptakes of vaccine,” he pleaded.
Adetifa cautioned that COVID-19 “is still around, hence, Nigerians should apply all protective measures when in an enclosed place with many people.
“More importantly, to protect ourselves and others on the need to ensure that we take public measures as recommended. Use of face mask, hand hygiene and physical distancing is appropriate.”
Source: Guardian.ng
