NiMSA oppose Reps on proposed five-year mandatory local practice for doctors

The Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA) has opposed the bill by House of Representatives members to mandate Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners to practice in the country for a minimum of five years before being granted a full license.

The second reading of the bill sponsored by Rep. member Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, was taken on the floor of the House in Abuja on Thursday.

According to Johnson, it was only fair for medical practitioners, who enjoyed taxpayers’ subsidies on their training, to give back to society by working for a minimum number of years in Nigeria before taking their skills abroad.

While the majority of lawmakers supported the bill, a number of them called for flexibility and options.

NiMSA described the bill as ill-timed and a breach of the fundamental human right of doctors as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended.

NiMSA in a tweet said the bill is aimed at strangulating the medical profession and making a mockery of her autonomy.

The medical body stated that 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.

It noted that the search for greener pastures abroad can be reduced by making the land and pasture green, properly equipping hospitals, better treatment for doctors in the country and the brain drain will be adequately controlled.

Also it added that the bill is not the solution to the brain drain problem, and stands against it in its entirety.