A bill is before the Nigerian House of Representatives to ban fresh doctors from Nigerian universities from going abroad until they have spent five years compulsorily serving the nation.
I understand Ganiyu Johnson, APC from Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency of Lagos State, tabled the bill.
I would implore the members of the House first to suspend the rights of not only the doctors but all Nigerians to freedom of movement.
Second, will the five years include the compulsory National Youth Service? For now, I believe the events in the country have rendered even that unnecessary.
Let’s look at the medical services provisions in the country.
Why are doctors always taking industrial action?
The country is so broke that it cannot provide medical services for the people. But then, it is rich enough to afford elected politicians stupendous salaries.
One defence in support of the bill is that medical education is highly subsidized. So, medical doctors must pay back the system.
Really?
Let’s even agree that’s so.
Is the subsidy peculiar to medical education?
I think our lawmakers should concentrate much more on the salaries and other benefits of not only the doctors, but other workers.
The quality of service in the various hospitals could also do with a lot of improvements.
By the way, has the House considered the psychological state of a person who feels he’s been shortchanged by being forced to stay put in a particular place when he knows he would be better treated in another clime? When such people are doctors, will they be dedicated to their jobs?
Preventing doctors and other professionals from going abroad is an infringement on their human rights!
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