A bill to discourage mass exodus of doctors and dentists has scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.
The proposal, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical Doctors and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to mandate any Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioner to practice in Nigeria for a minimum of five (5) years before being granted a full license by the Council in order to make quality health services available to Nigeria; and for related matters (HB.2130),” from Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, the legislator representing Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, got the approbation of nearly all the federal lawmakers when it came up for consideration on Thursday.
At the session presided over by Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, Johnson said the step became necessary in the face of the prevailing situation in which the country’s doctors and nurses are relocating abroad in droves.
The lawmaker argued that the exodus does not profit the country, saying instead, is a waste of taxpayers’ money expended on the training of the emigrants.
He added that a new law in place that would mandate them to work in the country for five years and give back to it before they are awarded full licenses would be of good purpose to the country’s health sector.
Recall that the Nigeria Medical Association president, Dr Rowland Ojinmah, at 2022 Abia Physicians’ Week, said no fewer than 50 medical doctors leave Nigeria weekly in search of greener pastures abroad.
