Brain Drain: NASS Bill Not Most Effective Intervention – Diaspora Medical Associations

Nigerian medical doctors working abroad say the National Assembly bill which intends to address brain drain in the country may not be the most effective intervention in resolving the situation. 

The indigenous foreign-based medical practitioners, operating under a group called Diaspora Medical Association, added that the measure is counterproductive and will not achieve its intended aim. 

Their position on the matter is captured in an open letter, dated April 11, 2023, and tagged: “A Position Statement from Diaspora Medical Associations on Bill Seeking to Restrict Newly Qualified Medical Doctors and Dentists from Leaving Nigeria “, addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. 

The group says the major cause of brain drain includes a poor care delivery framework which results from a failure to invest in healthcare in order to foster a conducive environment. 

Noting that the migration of professionals is not limited to the medical and dental practitioners, the foreign medical practitioners questioned why the medical and dental professions are being singled out. 

The letter, which is copied to the Senate President, is signed by Dr. Emeka Ugwu, President Nigerian Doctors’ Forum, South Africa (NDF-SA); Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, President Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) and Dr. Chris Agbo, President Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG);