THREE hundred Nigerian doctors left the country in 2016,  the national president also of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Mike Ogirima, has revealed.

He said more doctors have joined the migration train this year. He did not give any statistics, although NAN learnt that 500 doctors sat for qualifying foreign medical examination preparing to move out.

Mr. Ogirima made this revelation at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Thursday in Lagos.

An estimated 35,000 Nigerian doctors are practising abroad, out of the   72,000 registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

The United Kingdom and the United States are the top destinations of the migrant doctors.

In August, an  official of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Abimbola Olajide, revealed that  no fewer than 2,500 doctors  would  leave the country this year.

“Nigeria is using her resources to train doctors and professionals at the advantage of foreign countries.What are those things attracting these professionals outside?  Can we duplicate those things here?” Mr. Ogirima asked.

The NMA president said the responsibility to check the migration  lies with the government, the people and professionals to provide good working environment.

Mr. Ogirima said, “The government should provide adequate remuneration.We are not saying we should pay so much, but pay them for the job they are doing as at when due.

– Dec.  15, 2017 @ 18:06 GMT