The Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Dr. Fatima Kyari, on Friday disclosed that Nigeria registered 130,000 doctors in 61 years.
The Registrar also disclosed that despite have registered over 130, 000 medical doctors only 58,000 of them renewed their practicing license in Nigeria in 2023.
Dr. Kyari who spoke through her deputy, Dr. Victor Kolawole, at the oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly licensed doctors from the Edo State University, Uzairue stated that brain-drain has robbed Nigeria of its doctors in recent years.
“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,” the MDCN boss lamented.
Dr. Kyari reiterated that the council is statutorily saddled with the duty of regulating the practice of medicine, dental, and alternative medicine in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor, expressed delight at the progress so far made in the university. He noted that 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. He urged the new medical doctors to uphold the ethics of the profession.