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We’ll Resist Moves To Restrict Medical Doctors From Taking Jobs Outside Nigeria – NMA

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has vowed to resist moves being made through the House of Representatives to restrict fresh medical doctors from taking jobs outside Nigeria less than six years after qualifying.
In a communique after its 63rd Annual General Conference and Delegates’ Meeting (AGC/DM) held in Jalingo, Taraba State, NMA practically rejected the House of Representatives’ bill sponsored by Ganiyu Johnson, proposing to make it mandatory for fresh medical graduates to provide services to Nigeria for five years before getting full registration and license to practice or emigrate.
The Communique, signed by the association’s President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah and the Secretary General, Dr. Jide Onyekwelu, said the association would deploy all legitimate means at its disposal to resist any form of enslavement of the Nigerian Medical/Dental practitioners.
“Instead, the National Assembly should put pressure on government to address the ‘Push’ factors propelling brain drain which has led to the mass exodus of doctors and other health workers for greener pastures.
“The AGC/DM also called on the Federal Ministry of Health to jettison the idea of forced bonding of doctors via a policy directive as it is against natural justice, equity and good conscience, and shall be stoutly resisted by the NMA.
The communique called on governments at all levels to urgently address the various cases of violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria by declaring the act as a national emergency requiring robust action.
“The AGC/DM specifically called on the National and State Houses of Assembly to pass protective laws to stop the violence and safeguard the rights of healthcare workers.
“We also directed the management of health institutions to develop appropriate protocols in identifying and handling of potential cases of violence, develop effective communication strategy and promptly report cases of violence to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
“The AGC/DM directed the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) to follow up the case of the gruesome murder of Dr Uyi Iluobe to a logical conclusion.”
The Communique advised all Nigerian doctors and dentists to be conversant with the provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M8, 2004 laws of Federation of Nigeria and abide by all the ethics guiding the profession.
The communique advised Nigerians, especially medical and dental practitioners, to be conversant with both national and international guidelines for organ donations, harvestings and transplantation, including Assisted Reproduction Technology.
It wanted Nigerians to know that the details of the guidelines also vary from one country to another.
“Furthermore, the AGC/DM implored the Federal Government to protect poor and vulnerable Nigerians from exploitation for organ donation.
“We call on government to establish world-class health facilities in Nigeria and advise our leaders to shun unnecessary medical tourism.”
Source: NAN.

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