Nigerian Medical Association Slams Government’s Deal To Send Doctors To Saint Lucia.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s agreement to deploy Nigerian doctors and health workers to Saint Lucia, labelling the move as contradictory and unacceptable. The criticism stems from stark disparities in remuneration, with the NMA highlighting that doctors in Nigeria earn an annual salary of N11.9 million, while those sent to Saint Lucia under the deal will receive N40.8 million per year.
The NMA argues that this significant pay gap underscores a lack of value placed on healthcare professionals working within Nigeria. The association’s president, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, expressed frustration, stating that the government’s decision to prioritise higher salaries for doctors abroad while neglecting those at home is a slap in the face to the nation’s healthcare system. “It’s a contradiction that undermines the morale of our doctors, who toil under challenging conditions for far less,” he said.
This deal, part of a bilateral agreement with Saint Lucia, has sparked widespread debate about Nigeria’s healthcare priorities. The NMA has called for urgent action to address the brain drain in the sector, pointing out that many doctors are already leaving the country due to poor working conditions and inadequate pay. The association argues that funds allocated for overseas deployments could be better used to improve local healthcare infrastructure and incentivise professionals to stay.
The Federal Government has yet to respond officially to the NMA’s criticisms. However, sources within the Ministry of Health suggest the deal aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and provide Nigerian doctors with international exposure. Critics, including the NMA, counter that such initiatives should not come at the expense of Nigeria’s struggling healthcare system.
As the controversy unfolds, the NMA has vowed to engage the government in discussions to review the agreement and address the underlying issues facing Nigeria’s medical workforce. The association has also urged the public to support its call for fair treatment of healthcare workers, warning that failure to act could further weaken the nation’s health sector.
