The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, (MDCAN) has opposed the bill seeking to compel newly trained doctors to work for five years in the country before being granted qualifying licence to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
The proposed legislation which has passed the second reading at the lower chamber of the National Assembly is to discourage doctors from leaving the country in droves and heightening the brain drain scourge.
According to the bill sponsored by Honorable Abiodun Ganiyu Johnson, the aim was to make it mandatory for fresh medical graduates to provide services to Nigeria for up to five years before receiving a full registration and license to practice.However, in a statement jointly signed by the President of MDCAN, Dr. Victor Makanjuola and General Secretary, Dr. Yemi Raji, stated that the bill was not only discriminatory and harsh, but also against the interest of the people.
Thisday reports that the doctors said the bill violates the constitution of Nigeria, as Section 34 (1) b states that, “no person shall be held in slavery or servitude” while section 34 (1) (c) states that, “no one shall be required to perform forced or compulsory labour.
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