Resident doctors appeal for the domestication of residency law to combat brain drain

At the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, resident doctors have urged governments at all levels to address the issue of brain drain in the health sector systematically.

During the first Annual General Meeting and Academic Conference of Association of Resident Doctors, COOUTH branch in Awka, the doctors emphasized the need to take deliberate actions against the challenge. The theme of the conference was “Striking a Balance: Brain Drain and the Residency Training Programme.”

Dr Nnaemeka Anunihu, the President of ARD, COOUTH, expressed concern over the severe impact of brain drain on the sector, emphasizing that the situation in Nigeria had reached an unacceptable level.

Highlighting factors influencing the exodus of doctors, including wages, facilities, security, and value for earned wages, Anunihu stressed the significance of retaining Nigerian doctors within the country.

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He also called for the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, aiming to provide doctors with a sense of security and confidence in their training.

Dr Princeton Okam, a consultant obstetrician at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, added that brain drain was a significant challenge in the medical profession, and the conversation on it would continue until measures were taken to address it.

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Dr Josephat Akabuike, the Chief Medical Director of COOUTH, lauded the Resident Doctors for their commitment and contributions to healthcare service delivery at the institution, assuring continued welfare improvements. He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing patients’ wellbeing at all times.

In his lecture, Dr Nnaemka Umedum described brain drain as the emigration of highly skilled medical personnel from developing countries to more developed ones, attributing it to various factors such as lack of training opportunities and poor remuneration.

He encouraged resident doctors and other health professionals to resist the temptation to emigrate and seek opportunities for training and experience within their home country.

NAN