Japa: Medical Doctors Practicing in Nigeria Should be Applauded – UNIZIK VC

By Anambra Daily | Praise Chinecherem

Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Prof Ugochukwu Anyaehie on Friday said doctors practicing in the country amidst increasing brain drain in the health sector should be applauded.

Anyaehie stated this in Nnewi during the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) 2026 Annual General Meeting, Scientific Conference & 6th Emeritus Professor Festus Aghagbo Nwako Memorial Lecture.

He described Nigerian doctors as brainy, especially in view of their regular training, just as he refuted alleged aggressive behavior to their patients.

He said, “I find it difficult to agree that doctors are rude to patients. No doubt, in every profession there may be one or two exceptions, there’s even fake doctors.

“Besides, what you call brain drain may not really be brain drain because the ones remaining here are still brainy.

“This government is also creating the enabling environment for the doctors to stay. There are recent increase in salaries, though it may not match with what is obtainable in other countries.

“But generally, doctors are well trained to take care of their patients; so there’s no justification for misbehavior. Meanwhile, there are mechanisms to handle such, some have been sent jail, while others are banned from practicing.

“We also encourage the public to report any erring doctor for necessary disciplinary actions. On the long run, those doctors that remain in Nigeria should be applauded and praised.”

The VC, a medical doctor, who was among award recipients at the occasion appreciated the medical body for finding him worthy of the award, saying it would motivate him to do more.

‘Nigerian awards have become so common that we don’t even know their value again. But when one is recognized by a professional body like NMA known for its ethics and principles, you know it is valuable.

“This award is like a praise from one’s family who is always the last set of people to praise one. In life generally, I don’t consider myself as have done well. But this is an encouragement to do better,” he added.

Earlier, State chairman, Dr Princeston Okam said the event was opportunity to interact and interface with key stakeholders, government agencies and policy makers on issues affecting doctors and healthcare system at large.

It also provides avenue for continuing professional development through the lectures and scientific sessions.

On the award recipients, Okam said they were carefully selected in recognition of their giant strides and achievements in the field of medicine, various positions of responsibility held at different levels within the state and beyond and their service to humanity.

He also appreciated the governor for giving healthcare system a facelift through infrastructure upgrade, personnel recruitment, free antenatal care and delivery and other various innovative programs.

He expressed optimism for more robust relationship with NMA and doctors both in public and private establishments as a panacea to achieving his dream healthcare delivery system for the people of the state.

On his part, the Local Organising Committee, chairman, Dr Nnaedozie Obiegbu regretted alarming rate of brain drain and workforce migration pushing healthcare system into literal struggle for survival, saying the conference was opportunity to confront such existential threats with actionable protections for the workforce.