Doctors plan legal action against proposed Bill to curb Nigeria’s brain drain crisis

Medical doctors in Nigeria are threatening legal action against a bill before the House of Representatives which seeks to amend the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Act.

The proposed amendment would require Nigerian-trained medical or dental practitioners to work for a minimum of five years in the country before being granted full licences. The bill aims to address the increasing brain drain from Nigeria’s healthcare system, as doctors seek better opportunities abroad.

The Nigerian Medical Association is urging lawmakers to tackle the underlying reasons for the exodus, including poor remuneration, insecurity and lack of job satisfaction. Meanwhile, lawyers have also criticised the proposed legislation, calling it contradictory and discriminatory.