The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill aimed at reducing the brain drain of Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners.
Sponsored by Ganiyu Johnson, representing Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II, the bill seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2004, to address the brain drain in the Nigerian health sector.
The bill is titled “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 bill proposes that Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioners must work in the nation for at least five years before receiving full licenses.
Johnson argued that it was fair for medical practitioners who had benefited from taxpayer subsidies to undergo mandatory service for a minimum number of years in Nigeria before taking their skills abroad.
Reacting to the proposed law, the President, Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, Dr Emeka Orji, described the bill as anti-people, demanding that it should be withdrawn.
