The lawmaker representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency in Lagos State, Ganiyu Johnson, explained to LEKE BAIYEWU and other journalists why he sponsored the controversial bill that would require medical graduates to complete a five‑year post‑medical school service before leaving Nigeria. He clarified that the bill does not prevent anyone from traveling abroad; rather, it seeks to address the “medical brain drain” that has plagued the health sector.
Johnson began by recalling a motion he previously raised on the same issue. In that motion he called for three actions: a review of medical personnel welfare; an upgrade of health facilities—from primary health centres to general hospitals, from general hospitals to specialist hospitals, and from specialist hospitals to research institutes; and a collaboration with the private sector, particularly insurance companies, to fund projects and improve doctors’ working conditions. He noted that after the motion, there was a noticeable decline in capital flight and a reduction in the mass relocation of doctors abroad.
He then examined the existing licensing framework for medical doctors. After graduating, doctors undergo a one‑year housemanship, followed by a one‑year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, after which they receive their license. Johnson argued that extending the period before a final licence is issued—effectively adding three years, which include housemanship and NYSC—would serve as a stopgap to mitigate the crisis of having only about 10,000 doctors for a population of over 200 million. This extension would also encourage doctors to pursue residency programmes, which last five to six years and lead to specialist qualifications. By the time they complete the three‑year service, they could also finish their residency, making the arrangement a win‑win for both the nation and the doctors.
When asked whether he was concerned about the controversy surrounding the bill—particularly accusations that it infringes on doctors’ right to travel or seek further training abroad—Johnson responded that he was not. He emphasized that Nigeria is already facing a health crisis and that his proposal is merely one possible solution, not a final answer. Since the bill has only passed second reading, there remains ample opportunity for public hearings and robust debate among all stakeholders. He stressed that no one is being prohibited from traveling; the aim is to ensure that the country’s 200 million citizens receive adequate medical care rather than relying on traditional healers.
Johnson also addressed recent World Health Organization (WHO) warnings that placed Nigeria on a red alert and the United Kingdom’s restrictions on Nigerian doctors. He argued that the WHO’s assessment supports his position, as it underscores the need to retain medical personnel until the crisis is alleviated. Regarding whether the bill applies only to graduates of public schools, he clarified that licensing is independent of the institution attended. Whether a doctor studied at Oxford, Cambridge, or the University of Lagos, all must sit the same professional examination, so the bill would affect all graduates equally.
When questioned about a previous bill that sought to restrict civil and public servants to Nigerian hospitals—a proposal that was unanimously rejected—Johnson noted that he was not involved in that debate and could not speak to its outcome. He reiterated that he is one of 360 members of the House of Representatives, not the Speaker, and that any bill undergoes thorough discussion before becoming law. The current bill still faces public hearings, a third reading, Senate concurrence, and presidential assent.
Finally, Johnson explained that his bill does address welfare and remuneration concerns. In his earlier motion, he called for improvements in salaries, allowances, and even mortgage loans for doctors, all of which fall under the broader umbrella of welfare. He also highlighted the need for an enabling work environment and better facilities, arguing that upgrading health infrastructure will reduce the incentive for doctors to seek opportunities abroad, save foreign exchange, create jobs, and further improve Nigeria’s health sector.
Comments are closed for this story.