The National Association of Government Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) has called on the federal government to urgently initiate steps to effectively tackle the factors surrounding medical tourism.
NAGGMDP, in a communique issued at the end of its national executive council meeting in Port Harcourt, said medical tourism had portrayed the country’ medical sector in bad light.
The communique, which was read by the association’s national president, Dr Sofiri Starson Peterside, also called on the federal government to urgently address issues of welfare confronting medical doctors in its employ.
The association commended the Ekiti and Delta states governments for their efforts in improving the welfare of healthcare workers, describing it as a major morale booster to health workers in those states.
It urged other states to emulate them by domesticating the reviewed hazard allowance, 100 percent consolidated medical salary structure, training grants, prompt payment of salaries/arrears and ensure prompt promotions.
NAGGMDP, which is the largest affiliate of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) frowned at a bill sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ganiyu Johnson, seeking to prescribe a five- year mandatory service for all Nigerian trained doctors.
It commended the minister of labour and productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, for standing by the truth and condemning the said bill in its entirety.
