A law prohibiting Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners from receiving full licenses unless they have worked in the country for at least five years has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill is part of an effort to reduce the number of medical practitioners leaving Nigeria for “greener pastures” in other countries.
The title of the amendment bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, reads, “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).”
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On Thursday, April 6, the House of Representatives held its second reading.
Johnson told the House that it was only right for medical practitioners who had received government subsidies for their education to “give back to society” by working in Nigeria for a set number of years before exporting their expertise overseas.
The plan was approved by the majority of parliamentarians, however others advocated for more flexibility and options in the proposed legislation.
One member, Rep. Uzoma Nkem-Abonta, opposed the bill, claiming that tying a doctor down for five years in Nigeria after graduation before seeking employment in a foreign nation amounted to servitude.
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Nonetheless, the bill was passed for second reading by a majority voice vote.
The plenary of the House was presided over by the Speaker, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.
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