By John Okeke
Nigeria is set to lose more medical professionals as the United States government has sent out requests to the international community asking medical professionals to apply for visa so they could be engaged in the US.
Global covid-19 index on Thursday showed that the US has posted more figures on the pandemic than China globally.
To further tame the virus and treatment of those infected, the US is calling on medical professionals all over the world to apply to work in the North American country.
“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,” the statement reads.
The US is also extending visas for medical professionals in the country.
“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.”
According to various sources, 77 percent of black doctors in the US are Nigerians.
