The Diaspora Medical Associations, a united body representing Nigerian medical doctors and dentists practicing outside the country, has recently submitted a petition to the National Assembly in regards to a proposed bill that has stirred controversy.
The bill, sponsored by Ganiyi Johnson, seeks to enforce a mandatory five-year service within Nigeria for medical and dental graduates before they are granted a full license to practice.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the associations expressed their concerns over the potential repercussions of the bill, which they believe would not effectively address the issue of brain drain in the country.
The letter, titled ‘Re: A position statement from diaspora medical associations – Bill seeking to restrict newly-qualified medical doctors and dentists from leaving Nigeria,’ was dated April 11, 2023, and was also copied to the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan; the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr Ibrahim Oloriegbe; and the Chairman, House Committee on Health, Dr Tanko Sununu.
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According to the Diaspora Medical Associations, the proposed bill is considered counterproductive and unlikely to achieve its intended goal of addressing brain drain in Nigeria. The associations acknowledged the problems caused by the exodus of medical professionals from the country, including decreased access to healthcare services, lack of quality care, and manpower shortages in enacting healthcare policies due to limited resources and leadership.
However, the associations emphasized that the root causes of brain drain, such as inadequate investment in healthcare, poor welfare packages, insecurity, limited employment opportunities, and socio-political and economic instability, must be addressed holistically for a sustainable solution.
AGS NEWS 