Tosan Erhabor, the registrar of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), said that so far, 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have left the country.

“The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” he said, noting that 4,504 left in 2023.

Mr Erhabor attributed the migration of medical scientists from the country to different reasons.

“Some are leaving as a result of poor remuneration and uncertainties in the career progression in teaching hospitals; others are leaving to study abroad, acquire new skills and enhance their professional status,” said the registrar.

Mr Erhabor also said some migrated due to the country’s security challenges, lack of modern equipment and poor infrastructure.

“Above all, the rising cost of living is making it practically impossible for an average medical laboratory scientist to provide basic care and quality education for their children,” he added.

According to him, the scientists’ preferred destinations are the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada.

He told journalists the Federal Ministry of Health was creating a policy to address the problem. Mr Erhabor said this would regulate the migration of Nigerian health workers.

Mr Erhabor said the government had reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity.

“The government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowances for health professionals.

“A safe and conducive work environment can be a panacea to reducing the pace of brain drain amongst medical laboratories,” he said.

(NAN)