Prof. Emem Bassey, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, warned on Wednesday that other African countries are increasingly snatching Nigerian physicians and other health experts.
He further stated that nations such as Sierra Leone and Gambia were providing them up to $3000 to $4000, which was three to four times the amount offered in the country.
Bassey, the CMD of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, stated that the health sector is currently experiencing a significant workforce problem, with health workers fleeing in droves.
He further said that doctors frequently went on strike because the government failed to keep unrealistic promises.
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“A strike should be the very last option,” Bassey added, “but one of the things we’ve seen is that there are threats and threats and threats.” I would argue that governments in previous sessions have negotiated settlements that are not realistic simply to stop a strike.
“They now have agreements that they are unable to implement.” And then, after a given amount of time, say six months or a year, if you haven’t executed it, people go on strike. So we need to sit down and discuss together.”
Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the Ad hoc Committee, advised the doctors to be patriotic by remaining in the country to contribute to the country’s growth, even if they have better opportunities elsewhere.
He stated that the committee would seek to address the need to strike a balance between adhering to the spirit of federalism and filling critical openings in the health sector.
“I admit there is a lack of advanced medical facilities in our health sector,” Gagdi remarked. This is a fact, and as governments, we must pay attention to it. Where we are perplexed is the lack of patriotism.
“Nigerian institutions create you (medical doctors). We acknowledge the brain drain and are attempting to develop remedies. We are delighted to have you here. Many of you have connections to be in rich countries and supply services to them, possibly based on the worth of your brain. However, the majority of you see fashion as a way to add value to your own motherland and fatherland.
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“What are you teaching your coworkers about patriotism and giving back to the society that provided you with the knowledge?” We challenge you to be faithful to your profession and to the moral issue. You can’t disown your father, no matter how poor he is for bringing you this far to adopt someone else’s father. Nigeria is our homeland.
“Despite the rot in our public sector in terms of remuneration, Nigeria produced us as medical doctors.” Let us collaborate to see if we can find solutions. But let us stay in Nigeria and serve our country.”
“We would thoroughly review your submissions,” Gadgi continued. We will have a separate interface with these universities that have pending recruitment cases. We will check into your problem if you don’t have one.
“You have a very good defense in terms of federal character for now having a balanced sheet.” Nigerians have paid attention to you. So, whatever this committee ultimately proposes to the government, it will be implemented, and it will be fully for our benefit.”‘
