House Of Reps Moves To Stop Nigerian-Trained Doctors From Leaving The Country
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Thursday, April, 6 started deliberation on a bill seeking to make it compulsory for Nigerian-trained medical doctors to practice in the country for at least five years before they are given full practising licence.
The bill sponsored by Ganiyu Johnson, member representing Oshodi/Isolo ii federal constituency under the platform of the APC, is seeking to stop the brain drain currently ongoing in the health sector.
During the debate on the general principle of the bill Honourable Johnson called for the bill to be adopted as it was only fair for medical practitioners, who enjoyed taxpayer subsidies on their training, to “give back to the society.”
However, two lawmakers; Uzoma Abonta, who represents Ukwa East and West federal constituency (PDP, Abia); and Mark Gbillah representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency (LP, Benue) opposed the bill on the ground that it would infringe on the rights of doctors to move freely if passed into law.
“I want to suggest that we look at how to rework this bill in itself because as a professional myself I do not think you should be able to practice anything without your licence.
“A person in such a critical field as medicine, how would you give somebody a temporary licence or what would that imply? You would need a licence to be certified to practice. So the issue we are trying to cure is brain drain and that in itself, in my opinion…
“Do we try to restrict these people and infringe on their fundamental human right or apportion more resources to the medical profession,” Mark Gbillah said.
On his own part, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila said the proposed bill was not infringing on the rights of medical practitioners because section 45 of the 1999 Constitution allows the government to suspend certain rights due to certain conditions.
“Let me clear the issue of fundamental human rights that has been raised.
“If you go to section 45(1) of the Constitution, it actually allows you to deviate from your fundamental human rights under certain conditions.
“One of these conditions concerns public health. So if the government feels that to safeguard public health this restriction should be put then we have not violated anybody’s human rights,” he said.
The bill titled ‘the Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act 2004’ has now passed for second reading.
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