The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected the recent decision of the federal government to deploy Nigerian doctors in Santa Lucía, describing the measure as a “deeply worrying contradiction” and an attempt to reinforce Nigeria's international image by neglecting the well -being of doctors at home.
A statement signed by the signed by the Secretary General of the NMA, Dr. Ben Egbo, reminded the Federal Government that “Nigerian doctors have been suffering, working and serving the Nigerians with many doctors who leave the country due to poor remuneration, chronic delays in the payment of the medical residence training fund (MRTF), the non -implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation of the implementation previously negotiated and work work agreements.
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The association also noted that the challenges faced by Nigerian doctors have led to exhaustion, stress, chronic diseases and even death, which invariably increases morbidity and mortality among Nigerians.
“Exporting doctors while undermining your welfare at home is inexplicable,” added the NMA.
The NMA also highlighted the marked contrast in the salaries paid to the doctors who serve in Santa Lucía and those served in Nigeria. According to the association, the best paid doctors served in Santa Lucía will win N131.7 million per year, while their Nigerian counterparts will win N40.8 million per year for serving in Santa Lucia and a N11.9 million mentality per year for serving in Nigeria.
“We support regional cooperation and international participation, but it is morally unjustifiable to export health workers to foreign countries and pay them five times higher than they won while they serve in Nigeria,” said the NMA.
The Association requires that the Government address its complaints within a 21 -day window, including the withdrawal and replacement of the Deceptive NSIWC circular, in honor of all pending collective bargaining agreements, solving outstanding assignments and correcting distortions in the salary structure.
NMA's demands also include protecting professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors. “While we support international cooperation, we cannot continue prioritizing the interests of other nations on the well -being of our health workers,” said the association..