x

Reps Pass Bill to Halt Medical Brain Drain By Nigerian Doctors

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

In a bid to halt the prevailing medical brain drain by Nigerian Doctors, the House of Representatives have passed a compulsory five-year service to Nigeria by doctors before going abroad.

The bill which has passed second reading at the House of Representatives is to prevent Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners from being granted full licences until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the country.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson is part of the measures to halt the increasing number of medical doctors leaving Nigeria for other countries in search of ‘greener pastures.’

The title of the amendment bill, reads, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to mandate any Nigeria-trained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practise in Nigeria for a Minimum of Five (5) before being granted a full licence by the Council in order to make Quality health Services available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2130).”

The second reading was taken on the floor of the House in Abuja on Thursday.

Johnson told the House that it was only fair for medical practitioners, who enjoyed taxpayer subsidies on their training, to “give back to the society” by working for a minimum number of years in Nigeria before exporting their skills abroad.

The majority of lawmakers supported the bill, though a number of them called for flexibility and options in the envisaged law.

Meanwhile, a House member, Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, opposed the bill on the grounds that it was more like enslavement to tie a doctor down for five years in Nigeria, post-graduation, before seeking employment in a foreign country.

However, a majority voice vote passed the bill for second reading.

The plenary of the House was presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Hot this week

Nigeria at 65: Igoche Mark Salutes Athletes for Global Contributions

As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary on Wednesday,...

Tinubu Approves 100Km Stretch of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Through Edo State

Umahi praises Gov. Okpebholo, contractor CBC for infrastructure effortsBy...

Nigeria @65: Claims of Progress Are Deceptive – Activist Ukegbu

A social rights activist, Comrade Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu, has...

Nigeria@65: Shendam Council Chairman Urges Youths to Embrace Technology, Innovation

By Israel Adamu, JosThe Chairman of Shendam Local Government...

Ghana to Pull Women To 2025 African Women Conference in Nov

By Joyce Remi-BabayejuThe Republic of Ghana is set...

Dinfa: Only a Northern Christian President Can Protect Northern Christians

By Israel Adamu, JosThe National Coordinator of the Young...

The Role of the United States in the Iran–Israel Geopolitical Rivalry

By Diri Glory IdaerefaaThe Middle East has long been...

2027: ACF to Regulate Officials’ Communication with Media, Public

By Achadu Gabriel, KadunaThe Northern socio-cultural organization, Arewa Consultative...

IHR Commends President Tinubu for Hajj Fare Reduction, Seeks ₦1,000/$1 Concessionary Exchange Rate

By Jabiru HassanIndependent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended President...

IHR Commends Tinubu for Hajj Fare Reduction, Urges N1,000/$1 Concessionary Rate

By Jabiru HassanThe Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img