A bill proposed to compulsorily make Nigerian Doctors practice in their country for 5-years before travelling abroad passes its second hearing.
The bill presented by Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, a House of Representatives member representing Oshodi Isolo II Federal Constituency, passed its second reading.
It 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).”
The proposed bill suggests that medical and dental practitioners who were trained in Nigeria should serve a minimum of five years in the country before being granted full licenses.
The aim of this bill is to reduce the number of doctors who leave Nigeria to seek better job opportunities abroad.
Johnson believes that it is justifiable for medical professionals who have received government funding to contribute to the country’s healthcare system for a specified period before moving to other countries.
Although some lawmakers suggested flexible options in the proposed law, the majority of them, however, supported the bill. One member of the House, Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, opposed the bill, arguing that it amounted to forced labour. Despite this opposition, the bill passed for a second reading through a majority voice vote.
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