The Federal Government has disclosed that the phenomenon of brain drain, often referred to as ‘Japa Syndrome’, has deprived Nigeria of its top talent in the health sector, with no fewer than 16,000 doctors leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor ALI PATE, disclosed this during an appearance on a monitored television programme.

Prof. PATE lamented that Nigeria has witnessed a generation of young doctors, health workers, tech entrepreneurs, and various professionals abandoning the country for better opportunities abroad.

The minister, who provided a detailed account of the doctors currently practising in major Nigerian cities, highlighted that the doctor-to-patient ratio was insufficient for the country.

He, however, affirmed that the government is making efforts to expand the training scheme and motivate those who choose to stay back and serve their country.