The Nigerian government has appealed to the country’s medical practitioners to resist the temptation of rendering services in foreign lands and work with the current administration to improve the nation’s situation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a recent meeting with the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), made the appeal, assuring the doctors that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is committed to their welfare and has empathy for those who choose to stay amid the “Japa syndrome”.
According to a statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the NMA leadership, led by its President, Bala Audu, paid Mr Shettima a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
Mr Shettima urged the Nigerian doctors not to despair and implored them to “remain steadfast,” commending them for the significant contributions and sacrifices they make towards repositioning the country’s healthcare delivery.
“Let us stay back and salvage this nation together. This is our country, the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in,” he was quoted to have said.
“The NMA is one of the most prestigious, preeminent associations in this country. We must commend you for the sacrifices you are making and for staying put in this nation.
“All hope is not lost because Nigerian doctors are making giant strides, recording milestones in the profession and, most importantly, making tremendous sacrifices to serve this nation.”
Mr Shettima further asked the NMA to encourage young doctors to specialise in key disciplines of medical practice and also check the activities of quacks in the profession.
