A bill seeking to prevent Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners from being granted full licenses until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the country has passed second reading at the House of Representatives on Thursday in Abuja.
The bill which seeks to halt the increasing number of medical doctors leaving Nigeria for other countries in search of ‘greener pastures’ was sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson.
It reads, “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 license by the Council to make Quality Health Services available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2130).”
Reports say, Johnson, who represents Oshodi/Isolo Federal constituency 2, Lagos State, told the House that it was only fair for medical practitioners, who enjoyed taxpayer 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.
The majority of lawmakers supported the bill, though a number of them called for flexibility and options in the envisaged law.
One member, Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, opposed the bill because it was more like enslavement to tie a doctor down for five years in Nigeria, post-graduation, before seeking employment in a foreign country.
However, a majority voice vote passed the bill for second reading.
