Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism MenteeThe Nigerian Medical Students’ Association (NiMSA) has kicked against the proposed Brain Drain Bill sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson mandating medical doctors to stay and work in Nigeria for five years after graduation before they can obtain a full license to practice abroad.
The group described the Bill as unconstitutional and against their fundamental human rights.
This was contained in an official statement signed by NiMSA President, Ejim Ebga, who frowned at the bill which he said will give the opposite reason why it was initiated by discouraging students from studying medicine in Nigeria which will eventually lead to the shortage of medical professionals in the country.
The statement read in parts:
“The Nigerian medical student’s Association (NiMSA) strongly opposes the recently proposed bill to mandate Nigerian trained medical and dental practitioners to practice in Nigeria for a minimum of five years before being granted a full license to practice abroad.
“This bill, sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson unpatriotic, ill-timed and a breach of the fundamental human rights of doctors as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended. This bill is aimed at strangulating the medical profession and making a mockery of her autonomy.
“The reason given by Rep. Johnson for sponsoring this bill will end up achieving the direct opposite as the bill seeks to enslave Nigeria-trained doctors and paralyze the health care system. The search for greener pastures abroad by making our land and pastures greener, properly equipping our hospitals, better treatment for doctors and brain drain will be adequately controlled.
“Rep. Johnson at this point should be steering the conversation on medical tourism and not doctors’ slavery. We firmly believe that this bill will not be the solution to brain drain, and stand against it in its entirety in the strongest possible terms.
“The intention behind the sponsorship of this bill does not take into consideration the root causes of brain drain in Nigeria. The issue of brain drain is multifaceted and requires a more comprehensive approach to tackle it.
“Instead of forcefully taking doctors as slaves, the lawmakers should be focusing on creating an enabling environment that encourages doctors to stay and work in Nigeria. The lack of infrastructure, inadequate and inappropriate remuneration, and poor working conditions are some of the major factors driving medical professionals away from Nigeria. These issues need to be addressed if we want to attract and retain our healthcare professionals; make our land green.
“We also believe that the bill is a violation of the fundamental human rights of medical professionals and should not see the light of day.
“The government has no right to force doctors to work in a particular location against their will- it is an affront to their autonomy and choice.
“We also unequivocally state that this bill will discourage students from pursuing medical education in Nigeria, which will further exacerbate the problem of the shortage of healthcare professionals.
“A better way to bring up the issue of being trained with ‘taxpayer subsidies’ should be to have it optional, the option of paying for medical education at the real cost value, the option of obtaining student loans and also the option of going for the subsidized medical education with the caveat of staying behind for a certain number of years to “payback”. Besides, not all doctors in the country are trained on the subsidy; one thing the bill failed to capture. Doctors need to have a choice, even if they start their training so that they can make better-informed decisions.
“Additionally, we strongly believe that the bill is arbitrary and unconstitutional-it deprives the Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners of their fundamental human rights to freedom of movement by arbitrarily imposing restrictions on their movements against the provision of Section 41 the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In conclusion, NiMSA vehemently opposes this bill in part and one whole. We call on the sponsor of the bill to withdraw it with immediate effect and seek better ways of finding a lasting solution to the problem of brain drain by consultative collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the health sector coupled with the government’s willingness to address the root causes and underlying issues that drive healthcare professionals away from Nigeria.
“The Nigeria medical student’s association is eager for a better healthcare system hence, our willingness to work with the government, as we have always done, to find a lasting solution to the issues plaguing the healthcare system. The health sector is essential to the growth and development of our nation, and we must take steps to ensure that our healthcare professionals stay and contribute to our country.
“We say NO to this bill, Rather, make our land and pasture green.”
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