The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly rejected the Federal Government’s decision to deploy Nigerian doctors to Saint Lucia, describing the move as a “deeply troubling contradiction” and an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while neglecting the welfare of doctors at home.
In a statement signed by NMA Secretary General Dr. Ben Egbo, the association expressed concern that Nigerian doctors are suffering, working, and serving Nigerians under poor conditions, with many leaving the country due to poor remuneration, chronic delays in payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and hazardous working conditions without commensurate risk allowances.
The NMA highlighted the stark contrast in salaries paid to doctors serving in Saint Lucia and those serving in Nigeria.
According to the association, the highest-paid doctors serving in Saint Lucia will earn N131.7 million per annum, while their Nigerian counterparts will earn N40.8 million per annum for serving in Saint Lucia and a palty N11.9 million per annum for serving in Nigeria.
The association demanded by the NMA that the government address its grievances within a 21-day window, including withdrawing and replacing the misleading NSIWC circular, honouring all outstanding collective bargaining agreements, resolving outstanding allowances, and correcting distortions in the pay structure.
The association also demands that the government protect the professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors. “While we support international cooperation, we cannot continue to prioritize the interests of other nations over the welfare of our healthcare workers,” the NMA stated.