The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that any attempt by the Federal Government or its agencies to “enslave” Nigerian medical doctors under any pretext will be met with resistance. The statement was issued in a communiqué released after an emergency extended National Officers’ Committee (NOC) meeting held virtually on Friday. The communiqué, signed by NARD President Dr. Emeka Orji, Secretary‑General Dr. Kelechi Chikezie, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Umar Musa, was made available to the press on Monday.
Last Thursday, a bill sponsored by Representative Ganiyu Johnson passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The legislation seeks to prevent Nigeria‑trained medical and dental practitioners from receiving full licences until they have completed a minimum of five years of service in the country, aiming to curb the ongoing brain drain in the health sector. In its communique, NARD described the bill as “a clear definition of modern‑day slavery,” calling it “obnoxious” and urging that it be discarded. While the House acknowledged the serious threat posed by brain drain and pledged to collaborate with the government on genuine solutions, NARD reiterated that any effort to subjugate Nigerian doctors would be “strongly and vehemently resisted.”
NARD also urged the Federal Government to honor agreements reached with stakeholders convened by the Federal Ministry of Health regarding the implementation of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund, emphasizing the need for prompt payment. The association warned that failure to comply could trigger further crises in the health sector. Additionally, NARD called on the Federal Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to review and upgrade the membership certificates of the postgraduate colleges.
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