The House of Representatives on Thursday, 6th April, 2023, passed a second reading bill to prevent Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioners  from being granted full licenses until they have worked for a minimum of five years in the country.

This is aimed at addressing the increasing number of medical doctors leaving the country for greener pastures and making quality health services available to Nigeria.

Sponsored by Hon Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, representing Lagos, it is titled ‘the Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2004’.

The member representing Lagos said “It was only fair for medical practitioners, who enjoyed taxpayer’s 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.”

Many lawmakers supported the bill through a number of them called for flexibility and options in the envisaged law.

Hon Uzoma Nkem-Abonta said tying a doctor down for five years in Nigeria before seeking employment outside is near to enslavement.

However, a majority voice vote passed the bill for second reading at the plenary presided over by the honorable Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila.

Story: Ralia Adama

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