By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Poor welfare packages and remunerations of medical doctors in Nigeria accounts for one of the reasons why human capital flight is on the increase in the country.
The National Publicity Secretary of NIgeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Aniekeme Uwah stated this over the weekend in a goodwill he presented at a media roundtable discussions organised by Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council in Uyo.
Uwa explained that if the trend is not tackled by employers, the health sector will be highly affected.
He also raised worry over the what he described as the spike in brain drain in country and called on governments at all levels to address the problem.
“So many of our colleagues in Nigeria have moved for green pasture abroad and if this is not tackled, the health sector will be highly affected. The only solution is for government to make adequate budgetary provisions so that doctors and other health workers will be motivated and well remunerated.”
Also, “the rate of brain drain in the country is worrisome. I’m afraid what the future holds and the fate of the younger ones. We relate and interact with some of our colleagues who work abroad and we know how much they are paid and how they are being taken care of.”
NMA national image maker therefore, emphasized on the need for government at all levels to make proper budgetary provisions to the health sector to avoid unnecessary strike and brain drain that hit the sector currently.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Comrade Idongesit Ashameri said the daily unfolding negative effects of Covid 19 pandemic on the nation’s economy and survival of journalists have posed a great threat to journalism ethics and practice.
The Chairman noted that the goal of the programme was to re-equip members with the capacity to uphold the ethics of the profession amidst economic challenges occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The year’s theme is aimed at sharpening our skills and keeping us within ethically acceptable boundaries for better service delivery and to contribute to nation building,” she said.
Media roundtable discussion was part of the activities marking the 2021 Correspondents’ Chapel Week held at the Emerald event centre Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital with the theme, ”Post Covid 19 Economy, and the challenges to Ethical Journalism Ahead of 2023 Elections.”
