Brain Drain: Only 58,000 Doctors Renewed Their Annual Practice License in 2023- MDCN

-Inducts 20 Members At Edo State University, Uzairue

The Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria,MDCN, Dr Fatima Kyari has said only 58,000 medical doctors renewed their annual practicing fee in 2023 out of the 130,000 that the Council has registered since inception due to migration of health workers to other countries.

The Registrar, who was represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr. Victor Kolawole revealed this during the induction/oath taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University Uzairue 2022/2023 batch B Medicine and Surgery graduates.

She said the Medical and Dental Council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental and alternative medicine in Nigeria adding that, “In 2023 as a result of the increase in migration of doctors outside the country, only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practice licence.

“By this induction of 20 new doctors into the health workforce in Nigeria, we hope that other institutions will follow suit even as the government have said that the quota should be increased in all our training centres”.

She however, admonished the new medical practitioners to uphold the sanity of the profession and be law abiding as the council is mandated to regulate activities of the practitioners and as well punish offenders.

In his opening address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates and a proud moment for the university.

Prof Aluyor, however appreciated the State Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki for his unwavering support to the university saying with his support, the university operates its own teaching hospital, the Edo State University Teaching Hospital.

According to him, the significant upgrade of the Central Hospital Auchi to Edo State University Teaching Hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifted the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

The Vice Chancellor stated that the university’s inception was as result of the need to address the growing demand for quality tertiary education in Edo State and Nigeria having recognized that nurturing human capital through education is paramount for meaningful development.

Congratulating the newly qualified doctors on their significant achievement,he said their professional journey has just commenced and that he has the confidence that they will bring honour to the University and MDCN.

Dr Ofunre Eboreime, the guest lecturer at the occasion whose lecture was titled: “The Life That is Worth Living : A Doctor is in the Service to God and Humanity,” said doctors are revered for medical expertise dedicated to alleviate human suffering and promote health services.

He said becoming a doctor required sacrifices, special kind of dedication, high level of selflessness and a strong desire to help others.

Dr Eboreime highlighted the components by service to include humility, integrity, balance service to God and man, maintenance of committed and resilient attitude, even in the face of adversity, gratitude for opportunity to serve, blessings and lessons learned along the way and help foaster a positive outlook and a sense of joy in the service of others.

On her part, the Hon commissioner for education, Dr Joan Osa Oviawe appreciated the Vice Chancellor Prof Emmanuel Aluyor for the recorded achievement since the establishment of the University.

She said the Edo State Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki is very interested in ensuring that the tertiary institutions in the state are producing world-class graduates particularly as he has continued to implement the education reform under the Edo Best agenda.