INTERVIEW: Why foreign countries see Nigeria as a breeding ground – UUTH CMD, Bassey

In this interview with DAILY POST’s Lovina Emole, Professor Ememabasi Bassey, former Commissioner for Health, Akwa Ibom State, and Chief Medical Director of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, discusses the persistent issue of brain drain in the medical profession in Nigeria, along with challenges faced by his hospital. Here are the key points:

Recruitment Efforts: The professor appreciates the federal government’s recent initiative to recruit medical practitioners, but he emphasizes that recruitment alone is insufficient to curb the effects of brain drain. Despite ongoing recruitment, experienced health professionals, including resident doctors and consultants, continue to leave the country.

Causes of Brain Drain: Economic factors emerge as a significant cause, with doctors in Nigeria earning considerably less than their counterparts in the UK and the United States. Lack of job satisfaction due to inadequate working conditions, equipment, and training opportunities, as well as concerns about insecurity in certain regions, also contribute to the brain drain.

Impact on the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital: The brain drain has affected the hospital, leading to the departure of resident doctors, nurses, and consultants. The loss of experienced staff poses a considerable challenge in maintaining the quality of healthcare services.

Challenges as the Chief Medical Director: Professor Bassey identifies power supply as a primary challenge, recounting efforts to address the issue, including reconnecting to the national grid and investing in generators. Infrastructure improvements have been made, but finance remains a major challenge, given the high costs of consumables and equipment, most of which are denominated in dollars.

Government’s Role and Proposed Solutions: To address brain drain and associated challenges, Professor Bassey suggests articulating policies to create a conducive work environment. He emphasizes the need to bridge salary gaps and calls for a national discussion on reversing brain drain. Additionally, he advocates for investment in medical facilities and equipment to attract healthcare professionals back to Nigeria.

Bill on Mandatory Service Duration: Regarding the proposed bill to compel medical professionals to serve for more than four years before leaving the country, Professor Bassey acknowledges both positive and negative aspects. While recognizing potential violations of fundamental human rights, he suggests considering conditions such as scholarships or student loans.

Personal Journey and Work Ethics: Professor Bassey shares his inspiration to become a medical doctor, influenced by his mother’s nursing profession and family friends who were doctors. He expresses concern about health professionals engaging in private practice to the detriment of government facilities, emphasizing the importance of upholding work ethics.

Concerns about Strikes: Addressing the issue of strikes, Professor Bassey acknowledges the prevalence of strikes in the healthcare sector and highlights that it has become a frequent first-line response, expressing the need for strikes to be a last resort after exhausting other avenues for resolution.