NMA bemoans exodus of doctors to foreign countries

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has bemoaned the exodus of indigenous doctors to foreign countries, declaring that over 2, 000 doctors migrate annually from the country in search of greener pastures.

President of the NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile, who lamented the development in Abakaliki during the opening of its annual general conference/delegates meeting, stated that such unprecedented migration necessitated the theme of the conference: “Skills repatriation in the health sector: Turning Nigeria’s brain drain to gain.’’

He said that “it is our belief that this ugly situation can be made advantageous hence, the need to bring it to the front burner, discuss and find solutions to the country’s advantage.

Nigerian politicians seem not worried about this trend as they do not have the necessary facts and statistics on the issue.”

The NMA maintained that without generating further controversies on the matter, it is expected that the conference will generate further affirmative statistics and facts on the issue.

“This is as a result of unfortunate remarks made by a senior cabinet member who incidentally is a senior member of the medical profession.

These affirming facts will possibly convince policymakers at critical Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to realize the scientific aftermath of the worsening disparity between the health workforce and the population,” he added.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of the Alex-Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Dr. Emeka Ogah, said that the federal government was striving to halt the exodus.

“We are not happy with the latest incidences of doctors seeking greener pastures outside the country and we will continue improving the welfare of the health workforce.

The federal executive council has supported our efforts to centralize internship posting and this will be unveiled within a year,” the minister said.

Ebonyi state Governor, David Umahi, while declaring the conference open, said that his administration would start the construction a new teaching hospital in June for the state university’s medical school in Uburu.

“We will redouble our efforts at improving the health sector to ensure that our people are provided with adequate healthcare,” he stated and thanked the NMA for choosing the state to host the conference.

According to him, his administration would continue to collaborate with the medical association to ensure adequate healthcare delivery to the people.