Alas, Nigeria has introduced a national health policy aimed at retaining medical experts within the country. In layman's terms, the government has developed a new strategy to counteract the Japa Syndrome in the health sector.

Tagged "The National Policy on Health Workforce Migration," this initiative is designed as a comprehensive approach to manage, harness, and reverse the migration of healthcare workers. The policy outlines various areas of focus, including; regular reviews of working conditions, integrating advanced health technologies such as Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and telehealth services; enhancing capacity building through international training and strategic partnerships; reciprocal agreement, encouraging the return of Nigerian healthcare professionals from the diaspora by simplifying registration processes and offering incentives and enhancing work-life balance, through routine health checks, mental well-being support, and reasonable working hours, especially for younger doctors.

No doubt Nigeria's health sector is suffering from chronic issues such as poor remuneration, inadequate facilities, poor working conditions, and insufficient staff. The resultant effect has been the mass exit of medical personnel to foreign countries, a phenomenon exacerbated by the Japa Syndrome.

How will the new health policy address the current crisis and prevent further loss of skilled professionals? What measures must be taken to ensure the policy's success?

Here, we take a look at the latest attempt by the government to tackle these pressing issues. Take a listen.