Bill to mandate doctors to practice in Nigeria passes second reading

A bill seeking to tackle brain drain and curb the exodus of Nigerian medical doctors to foreign countries has passed second reading at the House of Representatives.

Sponsor of the bill, Hon. Ganiyu Abiodun Johnson, proposes that Nigeria-trained medical or dental practitioners must work in the country for a minimum of five years before they are granted full licenses.

This measure is part of an effort to address the increasing number of doctors leaving Nigeria in search of better opportunities.

The bill, titled; “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap. M379, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 to mandate any Nigeria-trained Medical or Dental Practitioner to Practise in Nigeria for a Minimum of Five (5) before being granted a full licence by the Council in order to make Quality health Services available to Nigeria; and for Related Matters (HB.2130),” was read on the floor of the House in Abuja on Thursday, April 06, 2023.

Hon. Johnson argued that it was fair for medical practitioners who had benefited from taxpayer subsidies to undergo mandatory service for a minimum number of years in Nigeria before taking their skills abroad.

In other news, a devout Christian known as Adebayo Adeboye has shared a testimony about how a girl was brought back to life with prayers.

The RCCG youth pastor said he was present when the girl was confirmed dead by the medical experts at the hospital.

According to Adebayo, he saw her lifeless body, but they were not willing to accept the sad reality without having faith that miracle can happen.

He said they began to pray loudly and fervently in the hospital much to the surprise of other patients and staff.

Amid the intense prayer, the deceased woke up, a scene which left the doctors and nurses in utter disbelief.

Adebayo, who revealed that the girl joined their church last month, said medical professionals began to tell her congratulations when she came back to life.

He wrote; “I confirmed that this girl was dead. Doctors and Nurses confirmed it and left her lifeless body. But we prayed ???????????? Prayed loudly in the hospital. People looked at us, waiting. But God who is rich in mercy showed up for us.

Person wey just join our church last month. After she came back to life, all the medical practitioners on duty were telling her congratulations, she was confused at first ????????

Hospital yesterday was on fire ???? One of the nurses said “you would always know RCCG youths when you see them” Love it ???? Because our response to the devil is “not today, satan”.