NMA Condemns Federal Government's Plan to Deploy Doctors to Saint Lucia Amid Domestic Healthcare Crisis

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's recent bilateral agreement to deploy Nigerian medical doctors to the Caribbean nation of Saint Lucia, labeling the move as "morally unjustifiable" and a "betrayal" of Nigeria's struggling healthcare workforce.

In a statement released late Thursday and signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Benjamin Egbo, the NMA expressed "deep concern and dismay" over the development. This criticism comes at a time when Nigerian doctors are grappling with what the association describes as "systemic neglect, poor salaries, withheld allowances," and a "controversial salary circular" that further deteriorates their welfare.

"This announcement comes at a time when Nigerian doctors are grappling with systemic neglect, poor salaries, withheld allowances, and the release of a controversial salary circular that undermines their welfare and professional dignity," the NMA statement read.

The association argued that the government's decision contradicts its failure to address mounting grievances within Nigeria's health sector and appears to prioritize its international image over pressing domestic healthcare needs. "We consider this move a deeply troubling contradiction and an attempt to bolster Nigeria’s international image while failing to meet the basic obligations owed to doctors at home who are toiling hard to serve Nigeria," Dr. Egbo stated.

President Tinubu had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saint Lucia during his visit, aiming to address the Caribbean island nation's acute shortage of healthcare workers. The agreement, reportedly part of Nigeria's soft-power diplomacy, was touted by the government as an opportunity to provide employment for "surplus" Nigerian doctors and strengthen bilateral ties. Under this arrangement, Nigerian doctors are expected to earn significantly higher salaries – reportedly up to five times more – than their counterparts in Nigeria.

However, the NMA dismissed this justification as hollow, pointing to the worsening conditions in Nigeria's health sector and the ongoing exodus of doctors seeking better opportunities abroad. The association highlighted poor remuneration, chronic delays in the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), non-implementation of negotiated welfare packages, hazardous working conditions without commensurate risk allowances, and inconsistent application of the CONMESS salary structure as key reasons for the "brain drain."

"These challenges have overburdened the doctors left behind, leading to burnout, stress, chronic diseases, and even death, which invariably increases morbidity and mortality among Nigerians," the NMA stated.

The NMA's condemnation follows a 21-day ultimatum issued just a day earlier, on July 2, demanding government action on several critical issues. These demands include the withdrawal and replacement of the disputed NSIWC salary circular, honoring outstanding collective bargaining agreements, resolving unpaid allowances and correcting pay structure distortions, and protecting doctors’ professional autonomy and dignity.

"While the NMA supports regional cooperation and international engagement, it is morally unjustifiable to export healthcare workers to foreign countries and pay them five times higher than they earned while serving in Nigeria," Dr. Egbo emphasized, concluding that this move effectively "encourages the brain drain with its attendant health consequences."

The association also presented a comparative table illustrating the stark disparity between the salaries of doctors in Saint Lucia and Nigeria, underscoring its frustration over the perceived undervaluing of healthcare professionals within their home country.