MDCN Says Doctors Facing Discrimination Abroad, Advises To Practice In Nigeria

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) advised medicine and dentistry graduates to consider practicing in the country rather than migrating to other nations as they might face discrimination abroad.

MDCN made the remarks Thursday during an induction ceremony that saw the participation of 469 medicine graduates and eight dentistry graduates. During the induction, MDCN officials said several doctors who left the country for greener pastures are already regretting their decision after experiencing discrimination, as per Punch.

"People continue to say that they want to emigrate," Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, who serves as the Registrar of the council, said. "If you go out, have a mission. You can avail yourself of the best facilities there, in terms of training. But always remember that there is no other country better than your own, and think of coming back."

He continued, "Please, the issue of 'Japa' won't do anybody any good."

"Japa" is a term used for Nigerians leaving their country for greener pastures. Nigerian youth is leaving their home for a better life in countries like Brampton, Ontario and Canada, as per multiple reports.

Sanusi indicated that those who left the country are now regretting their decision because they are facing discrimination abroad.

"Some of those abroad are already regretting that they ought to have come back," he said. "Later in your career over there, when you start experiencing some kind of discrimination, you will know that you have succeeded in wasting your time."

He continued, "We advise that when you go there, always have it in mind that you need to come back home and render care to your people."

Sanusi told newly inducted doctors while they are not members of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), they have the right to freedom of association as per the 1999 constitution.

He further cautioned new doctors to avoid joining any strike called by ARD.

"But if they call for a strike, don't join them because your programme is structured and uninterrupted in each of the postings," Sanusi said. "The moment you interrupt, you will start all over at no cost to the government. That is the implication."

"Again, during the strike, the accident and emergency (unit) must be manned with a duty roster so that any patient in need of your services can be given first aid and asked to go and sort themselves out somewhere else," he explained. "It is not for you to entirely close down the health facility to the public."

Federal Minister of Health of Nigeria Osagie Ehanire, who was represented by Dr. Ngozi Azodo, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics of the Ministry, shared a piece of advice with the new doctors.

Dr. Azodo said when people come to you in a vulnerable state, don't "exploit" them and instead "help your patient, society, and community to the best of your ability for the benefit of humanity."