NMA Alerts on Medical Students Planning Migration

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has raised concerns regarding the increasing trend of medical students planning to migrate abroad even before completing their training. NMA President, Prof Afekhide-Ernest Omoti, stated that this trend poses a serious threat to Nigeria's health system and requires urgent government intervention.

He noted that many medical students are preparing for foreign qualifying examinations during their internships, intending to relocate immediately after obtaining professional registration. Omoti emphasized that the situation reflects a lack of confidence in the future of medical practice in Nigeria.

He urged the government to create better working conditions and welfare for young doctors, asserting that most would prefer to stay if their circumstances improved. The NMA has proposed a minimum retention package to the government, advocating for reasonable compensation that would encourage doctors to remain in Nigeria.

Omoti highlighted the significant investment the government makes in training doctors, only to lose them to other countries, which ultimately harms the nation.