- Action unpatriotic, ill-timed – NiMSA
By Kazeem Akolawole
Instead of addressing issues that have put the health sector in a poor state, the House of Representatives has jumped the gun by proposing a bill to prevent medical doctors and dental practitioners from relocating abroad.
A bill to prevent Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioners from being granted full licenses until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the country passed second reading at the House of Representatives on Thursday.
The Bill targets the increasing number of medical doctors leaving Nigeria for greener pastures, and seeks to make quality health services available in Nigeria.
The Bill which is being sponsored by Hon. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson is titled ‘the Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2004’.
Johnson explained that, it was only fair for medical practitioners, who enjoyed taxpayer’s 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.
Many lawmakers supported the bill though a number of them called for flexibility and options in the envisaged law.
In opposition to the Bill, Hon. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, Representative of Ukwa East/West Constituency in Abia State, said tying a doctor down for five years in Nigeria before seeking employment outside is akin to enslavement.
However, a majority voice vote passed the bill for second reading at the plenary presided by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) in its official statement opposing the Brain Drain Bill signed by its President, Ejim Egba, described the action as unpatriotic, ill-timed and a breach of the fundamental human right of doctors as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.
According to NiMSA, “This bill is aimed at strangulating the medical profession and making mockery of her autonomy. The reason given by Rep. Johnson for sponsoring this bill will end up achieving the direct opposite as the bill seeks to enslave Nigerian trained doctors and paralyze the health care system”.
“The search for greener pastures abroad can be reduced by making our land and pasture green, properly equipping our hospitals, better treatment for doctors and the brain drain will be adequately controlled. Rep. Johnson at this point should be steering conversations on medical tourism and not doctor slavery.
“We firmly believe that this bill is not the solution to the problem of brain drain, and we stand against it in its entirety in the strongest possible terms”.
“The intention behind the sponsorship of this bill does not take into consideration the root causes of brain drain in Nigeria. The issue of brain drain is multifaceted and requires a more comprehensive approach to tackle it”.
“Instead of trying to forcefully take doctors as slaves, the lawmakers should be focusing on creating an enabling environment that encourages doctors to stay and work in Nigeria.
“The lack of infrastructure, inadequate and inappropriate remuneration, and poor working conditions are some of the major factors driving medical professionals away from Nigeria. These issues need to be addressed if we want to attract and retain our healthcare professionals; make our land green”.
