Following the attempt by 58 doctors to exit Nigeria, minister of health, Osagie Ehanire, has stated that there is no need for them to leave as Nigerians in foreign countries have applied to return to the country to offer their medical services.
Speaking at the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 briefing on Thursday, he said there is no need for doctors to exit the country as the government was working on ensuring better welfare for them.
On the 58 doctors who were prevented from leaving the country recently over visa issues, Ehanire said the news came as a surprise, but noted that the movement was irregular as many of them were without visas.
He added that Nigeria is one of a few countries worldwide that pay hazard allowance, and the government is trying to improve salaries for medical personnel in the country.
“We are trying to make sure that the remuneration is good. I think we are one of the few countries that are actually giving this hazard allowance,” he said.
“Now, this UK where they are going to, there’s no hazard allowance. They don’t give doctors hazard allowance. You just get your salary, that’s all. I’ve spoken to doctors there and they said it’s part of their job, part of what they’re trained for.
“But here, apart from your salary, we still try to add something to it in the hope that we’re going to attract our people to stay.”
