The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has raised alarm over the low rate of doctors renewing their annual practice licence in 2023, revealing that only 58,000 out of the 130,000 registered doctors in the country renewed their licences, representing just 45 percent.
Speaking at the induction and oath-taking ceremony of the 2022–2023 batch B medicine and surgery graduates of Edo State University, Victor Kolawole, MDCN deputy registrar, expressed concern over the number of doctors leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
“We presently have over 130,000 registered doctors in Nigeria. However, as you know, because of the increase in migration of doctors out of the country, we have about 58,000 doctors who renewed their annual practice licence in 2023 and they are those that are fit to practice in Nigeria.”
Kolawole said it is important to retain medical professionals in Nigeria, urging new graduates to consider staying and practicing their profession in the country.
He pointed out the need for collaboration between institutions and the government to increase the capacity for medical training while ensuring that standards are maintained.
In his address, Emmanuel Aluyor, the vice-chancellor of Edo State University, commended Governor Godwin Obaseki for his support in establishing the university teaching hospital, which has significantly enhanced medical training and healthcare services in Edo North and its environs.
“This significant upgrade has enhanced facilities for the training of medical students and uplifted the standard of healthcare
services in Edo north and its environs.
“It is noteworthy that Edo State University Teaching Hospital Auchi is the first state-owned teaching hospital in Edo,” he said.
Aluyor urged the state government to continue its efforts to improve facilities at the hospital, adding that this plays a pivotal role in medical education and service delivery in the region.
