COVID 19: US Poaches Nigerian Doctors, Nurses, Issues Visa

By Fola James

Already stressed by the corona virus pandemic, Nigeria could experience exodus of doctors and nurses to greener pastures in the United States, which has thrown its door open for professional health workers willing to work in that country.

Close to 80 percent of black doctors working in the US are Nigerians who left the country over bad pay and poor working conditions.

With this opportunity, many are likely to move out in droves, labour experts say.

Some doctors told the magazine that this is a lifetime opportunity they have been waiting for.

The United States seems overwhelmed by the pandemic, after ovetaking Italy and Spain as the epicenter of the dissease, and is now searching for medical professioners across the globe to assist in the management of the emergency.

At a regular press briefing on Thursday, President Donald Trump urged health professions, seeking to work in the US to apply for immediate visa.

Trump said doctors and nurses can now approach any US embassy in their countries to apply for work visa.

“We encourage medical professionals seeking to work in the United States on a work or exchange visitor, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment,” Trump said.

According to him, “For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States: J-1 Alien Physicians (medical residents) may consult with their program sponsor, ECFMG, to extend their programs in the United States.

Generally, a J-1 program for a foreign medical resident can be extended one year at a time for up to seven years.

Note that the expiration date on a U.S. visa does not determine how long one can be in the United States,” the US president said.

Meanwhile, well meaning Nigerians have pleaded with professional health workers not to abandon the country at the critical time of global pandemic.

They say patriotism is what is required now among all Nigerians to combat the fast spreading disease.

Nigeria is next to South Africa in terms of number of those that tested positive for corona virus, observers say there could be more yet to be discovered.

Over 60 cases have already been identified, including high profile state officials such as Abba Kyari, the president’s chief of staff and Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed.