Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, has revealed that 10,697 medical laboratory scientists have left the country.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a policy is being put together by the Federal Ministry of Health to address the problem.

The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” Erhabor reaffirmed.

He said the policy, when launched, would regulate migration of Nigerian health workers.

The registrar stated that the government had reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity.

He went on: “Government is considering reviewing the minimum wage and certain peculiar allowance of health professionals.

“Safe and conducive work environment can be a panacea to reducing the pace of brain drain among medical laboratories.”

According to him, more than 4,504 medical laboratory scientists left the country in 2023.

Erhabor attributed the development to different reasons.

“Some are leaving because 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.

“Good numbers are also leaving because of the security situation in the country, poor infrastructure, and lack of modern equipment to work with.

“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.

The MLSCN boss said the scientists’ preferred destinations are the United Kingdom, United States and Canada.