The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed deep concern and dismay at the Federal Government’s recent agreement to deploy Nigerian doctors and other healthcare professionals to Saint Lucia.

According to the NMA, the 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.

In a statement, the NMA Secretary General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, said the association considers the 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.

"We remind the Federal Government that Nigerian doctors have been suffering working and serving Nigerians with many doctors leaving the country due to Poor remuneration; Chronic delays in payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF); non-implementation of previously negotiated welfare packages and agreements; Hazardous working conditions without commensurate risk allowances; Lack of universal implementation of the CONMESS salary structure for many of the doctors. 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.

"Only yesterday, on July 2, 2025, the NMA issued a press release demanding that the government address its grievances within a 21-day window. The NMA requests that the government withdraw and replace the misleading NSIWC circular; honourall outstanding collective bargain agreements; resolve outstanding allowances and correct distortions in the pay structure; and protect the professional autonomy and dignity of Nigerian doctors.

"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. Thus, encouraging the brain drain with its attendant health consequences. Attached is a table comparing the salaries paid to the highest-paid doctors serving in St. Lucia and Nigeria."

ASA