Minister of health, Isaac Adewole, has said that he is unhappy with the latest trend of doctors leaving the country in search of greener pastures.
Adewole said this on Thursday at the annual general conference/delegates meeting of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
His statement counters sharply that of labour minister, Chris Ngige, who had earlier said that Nigeria had more than enough doctors and that those who wanted to relocate to other countries could do so.
Adewole, who was represented by the Chief Medical Director of Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Dr Emeka Onwe, said: “I am not particularly happy with the latest trend of doctors leaving the country to other lands for greener pastures.
“We shall continue to ensure the welfare of the health workforce is improved. Our effort at centralising the internship posting of newly graduated doctors has received the support of FEC and will be rolled out within the year.
“In many cases most local governments’ health facilities do not have a doctor. These are unrelated to poor welfare and remuneration package at various levels amongst other factors.”
