By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
Following the recent proposed Bill on restriction of newly qualified medical doctors and Dentists for five years before leaving Nigeria to work in the UK, the Diaspora Medical Association has dismissed the Bill as counterproductive and will not achieve it’s intended goal.
The proposed Bill sponsored by Hon
.Ganiyu Johnson to mandate any Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners to practice in Nigeria for a minimum of
five (5) years before being granted a full license by the Council.
The bill which purportedly seeks a way to
address the adverse effects of brain drain may not be the most effective intervention to resolve the
situation.
Doctors in Diaspora resolved that the ongoing deliberations at the House of Assembly is not the solution to the brain drain of Nigeria. Medical professionals from the health care system lack of quality of care, care delivery
deserts the inability to adequately enact healthcare and public health policy due to lack of manpower and
leadership resources.
In a clarion call for intervention by Senate President Femi Gbajabiamila and the Chairmen of Senate and House Committees on Health, the Diaspora doctors Association said, we look up to your leadership in embracing the purposeful systemic solution and ensuring that a “quick fix” attempt does not worsen the situation.’
‘We in the Diaspora, support the position statements from other stakeholders including Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP), and related associations.’
The Diaspora doctors Association said, ” The major cause of brain drain include a poor care delivery framework from a failure to invest in the healthcare to foster a conducive environment.”
They lamented the Nigerian health system does not promote professionalism, growth, work satisfaction nor a high reliability culture.
Other major drivers to brain drain they pointed out includes poor welfare packages,
high level of insecurity, limited opportunities for employment, sub specialty training, sociopolitical and
economic instability.”
Furthermore, it noted that good governance and commitment to future investment in healthcare
would improve conditions in the country that will allow security, good education for children, improved
compensation, as described in the Abuja Declaration. ”
The Association, however, questioned why only doctors and Dentists are singled out and targeted, while other professionals also seek greener pastures outside Nigeria.
