Health Workers’ Migration Syndrome and National Policy on Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

The health system in Nigeria is faced with the twin challenge of a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and health workers migration, which are threatening the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Systemic challenges such as chronic under funding, infrastructure gaps, poor governance, and insufficient human resource capacity remain a major obstacle in implementing the policies, especially at the primary healthcare (PHC) level, despite the adoption of strategic plans and policies including the National Policy and Strategic Plan of Action on NCDs (2019-2025). This study explored the relationship between health workers' migration and NCD policy implementation in Nigeria, viewing migration as a systemic limiting factor that contributes to inequities in access to care and health system fragility. The research design used was qualitative with a documentary research approach. Thematic content analysis was applied to identify core patterns and themes such as migration push-pull factors, policy fragmentation and workforce planning challenges. Results show that the main reasons for migration of health workers are low pay, poor working conditions, limited career development opportunities and insecurity, whereas the destination countries provide better pay, training and infrastructure. The study suggested the following measures for competitive wage, career progression, rural labour incentive packages and better health governance to control migration.