The Nigerian Medical Students Association (NiMSA) has reacted to plans by lawmakers to pass a law that prohibits Nigerian-trained medical graduates from migrating to other countries until they have worked in Nigeria for at least five years after graduation. Read here

NiMSA, in a statement signed by its President, Ejim Egba said the proposed bill is a breach of the fundamental human right of doctors as enshrined in the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended, and should not be allowed to see the light of day. According to the association, the bill is aimed at strangulating the medical profession.

The Association explained that the search for greener pastures abroad can be reduced by addressing the problem of poor infrastructure, inadequate and inappropriate remuneration, and poor working conditions of health personnel, and that the proposed bill is not the solution to the problem of brain drain.

They further stated that the government has no right to force doctors to work in a particular location against their will as that could be termed slavery.