The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to deploy Nigerian doctors to Saint Lucia, describing the move as an insult to healthcare workers struggling under poor conditions at home.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr Ben Egbo, the association said it was disturbing that the same government failing to address the welfare of doctors within the country was now eager to send medical personnel abroad.
“Our doctors are working tirelessly under harsh conditions. Many are leaving the country because of poor pay, delayed allowances, non-implementation of negotiated welfare packages, dangerous working conditions, and lack of proper remuneration,” Egbo stated.
The NMA also criticised the wide salary gap between doctors serving in Saint Lucia and those working in Nigeria. According to the association, doctors deployed to Saint Lucia will earn up to N131.7 million per annum, while their colleagues serving within Nigeria earn as low as N11.9 million yearly.
“We support international cooperation, but it is unacceptable for the government to pay doctors five times more for serving abroad, while neglecting those sacrificing daily for Nigerians at home,” the NMA said.
