Federal Government Aims to Boost Medical and Dental School Enrollment to 10,000

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious strategy aimed at doubling the number of medical and dental doctors in the country, increasing the current count of 5,000 to 10,000 starting from the next academic year. This bold initiative involves expanding admissions into medical and dental institutions to bolster the healthcare workforce.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed this groundbreaking plan during the induction ceremony of foreign-trained medical and dental graduates conducted by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in Abuja.

Dr. Alausa emphasized the need to stem the mass exodus of licensed doctors and healthcare professionals to more developed countries. To achieve this, the government intends to create a more attractive healthcare environment that discourages emigration.

The minister pointed out that the current annual production of just over 3,000 doctors in Nigeria falls woefully short of the nation's healthcare needs. Therefore, the government is determined to double the rate of health worker production. This expansion of opportunities will not be limited to doctors alone but will also encompass other health professionals, including pharmacists, nurses, physiotherapists, community health extension workers, radiographers, and more. This phased approach aims to address the global shortage of health manpower, estimated at 18 million people.

In his statement, Dr. Alausa emphasized the importance of increased funding for the health sector and the attraction of international grants and funding. He highlighted the government's commitment to promoting industrial harmony within the health sector and strengthening primary healthcare services to enhance accessibility, quality, and effectiveness.

The ultimate goal is to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring that all individuals and communities have access to essential health services without incurring financial hardships. This will be achieved by optimizing health insurance, promoting equitable access, investing in healthcare infrastructure, conducting health education campaigns, improving equity in access to healthcare services, and putting an end to medical tourism.

Dr. Alausa also advised parents to seek guidance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) when sending their children abroad for medical degrees, emphasizing the importance of maintaining educational standards that ensure the safety of patients, particularly mothers and children.

In closing, he urged the inductees to embrace their responsibilities with utmost dedication and uphold the integrity of the medical profession.

The Registrar of the MDCN, Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi, reiterated the council's efforts to discourage the emigration of Nigerian doctors. He emphasized that individuals who have been trained with taxpayers' money should remain in Nigeria to serve the society. The council is actively working to enhance the capacity of local medical schools while maintaining high standards.

Dr. Sanusi also clarified that the inductees are not members of the Association of Resident Doctors but have the constitutional right to associate freely. He stressed that today's induction is a call to serve humanity, and a letter of good standing will be required from the jurisdiction of previous practice should inductees decide to leave for another country in the future.