Japa: Diaspora doctors sign MoU with National Hospital to curb brain drain

Concern Medics Foundation (CMF) a group of Nigerian doctors in the Diaspora has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Hospital for Women and Children, Abuja, in order to curtail brain drain in the country.

Newspot reports that the agreement was signed by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Raji Mahmoud and the Chairperson of CMF, Dr. Sadiya Gumi in Abuja.

Gumi in a statement made available to Newspot on Wednesday, noted that the parties involved in the partnership desired to collaborate to address the issue of medical brain drain by facilitating the involvement of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora, who will participate in a two-year rotation program at the National Hospital, Abuja.

Gumi added that CMF and the hospital acknowledged the potential to turn brain drain to brain gain involving Nigerian doctors in diaspora and to reduce the menace of Japa syndrome among medical doctors in the country.

She added that 24 doctors from all over the world have signed up for the pilot scheme.

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Gumi said that some of the diasporan doctors were specialists in surgery, psychiatry intensive care, anaesthetist, paediatrics, adult medicine and general practice.

She said, “Nigerian doctors migrate to the United Kingdom (UK) and other Western nations to practice their skill which is a Brain Drain to Nigeria and its economy.

“The Parties acknowledge the potential to turn Brain Drain to Brain Gain involving Nigerian doctors in diaspora.

“The parties desire to collaborate to address the issue of medical brain drain by facilitating the involvement of Nigerian doctors in the diaspora, who will participate in a two-year rotation program at National Hospital Abuja.

“Provide onsite accommodation for visiting diasporan doctors. Ensure the accommodation is renovated, furnished, and secure to create a conducive environment for the doctors.

“Assist with necessary logistics support to facilitate the smooth integration of the visiting doctors into the hospital’s operations.

“Organize and coordinate the participation of Nigerian Doctors in the diaspora to come on rotation every month. Continuous training and mentoring of resident doctors.

“Ensure that the doctors are registered and meet all necessary professional and regulatory requirements. Provide necessary logistical arrangements for the visiting doctors, including travel, food and transportation as needed.

“Collaborate with the National Hospital to ensure the sustainability and potential expansion of the program to other states in Nigeria.”