The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria expressed its concern over the impact of medical practitioners emigrating abroad for better opportunities on the health sector.
According to the council, only 58,000 out of 130,000 registered doctors have renewed their practice licenses in 2023, leaving a significant number of practitioners unable to provide healthcare services and potentially overburdening the existing personnel.
Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of the MDCN, made these remarks during the induction ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University, Uzairue on Friday.
The council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago and the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria
“But only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practising license in the year 2023 following the increase in migration of doctors outside the country,
“However, the doctors must meet the requirements to earn those increases in quota. We will partner with them to ensure that they meet those requirements, and as we try to ensure that, standards must be upheld,” he pinpointed.
Dr. Kolawole, representing Kyari, highlighted that the addition of the 20 newly qualified doctors through their induction ceremony is vital in light of the diminishing workforce in the health sector.
He emphasized the importance of the inductees maintaining professional ethics, cautioning that the council is responsible for overseeing practitioners’ actions and penalizing violations. Prof. Aluyor, the university’s Vice Chancellor, noted that the conversion of Central Hospital, Auchi into a teaching hospital has improved training facilities for medical students and raised the quality of healthcare services in Edo North and surrounding areas.
He praised Governor Obaseki for his continuous support of the university and urged the inductees to uphold professional standards, expressing confidence in their ability to bring honor to the institution and MDCN.
“I urge the state government to sustain efforts towards improving facilities at Edo State University Teaching Hospital, Auchi.”
In contrast, Dr. Kenneth Atoe, the interim head of the College of Medical Sciences, mentioned that 20 medical students from the college are the subsequent group of Batch B inductees. He urged the recently certified medical graduates to maintain the ethical norms expected of healthcare practitioners, stating,
“You must internalise the values of honesty, integrity, and selflessness.
“These virtues are not only essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships but are also integral to upholding the ethical standards and trustworthiness expected of a medical professional.
“By embodying these values, doctors not only fulfil their professional obligations but also contribute to the maintenance of public trust in the medical profession.”
