Brain Drain: Only 58,000 doctors renewed licence in 2023 – MDCN Registrar

The Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr Fatima Kyari, has disclosed that only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practising licence in 2023 due to brain drain in the health sector in the country.

Kyari disclosed this on Friday during the induction/oath-taking of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University, Uzairue.

She said the council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago, adding that the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria

She said, “The council has so far registered 130,000 medical doctors to practice in Nigeria since its inception 61 years ago and the council is mandated to regulate the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria.

“But only 58,000 doctors have renewed their annual practicing license in the year 2023 following the increase in migration of doctors outside the country.”

Represented by the Deputy Registrar Dr. Victor Kolawole, she noted that the induction of the 20 newly qualified doctors would add to the existing workforce in the health sector.

She, however, admonished the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, warning that the council is mandated to regulate the activities of the practitioners as well as punish offenders.

Earlier, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, said the upgrade of the central hospital, Auchi to a teaching hospital has enhanced facilities for the training of the medical students and uplifting the standard of healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.

While charging the inductees to uphold the ethics of the profession, he expressed confidence that they would bring honor to the university and MDCN.