Get real time updates directly on you device, subscribe now.
Mr Ganiyu Johnson, a Lagos lawmaker representing Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has disclosed the reason behind the bill seeking to compel doctors to do a five year mandatory service before going abroad.
The lawmaker had, last week, proposed a bill, seeking to ensure Nigeria-trained medical doctors will work in the country for a period of five years before they are granted full licenses or travel overseas.
Johnson made the revelation when he appeared on Arise Television Morning Show on Thursday.
According to the lawmaker, the bill is aimed at addressing the influx of Nigerian-trained medical and dental practitioners to foreign countries.
The bill was 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).”
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.
Related Posts
Though, a large number of lawmakers supported the bill, but some called for flexibility and options in the proposed law.
However, a member of the House, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta opposed the bill on the grounds that it amounted to enslavement to tie a doctor down for five years in Nigeria post-graduation before seeking employment overseas.
Despite this opposition, a majority voice vote passed the bill for a second reading.
