The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called on the government to stop appointing non-doctors to consultant positions in hospitals. This appeal was made in a communique issued at the end of the association’s Biennial Delegates’ Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Enugu. According to Prof. Apollos Ndukuba, the newly elected President of MDCAN, this trend could lead to an unhealthy work environment and negatively impact patient care.
The association also expressed concern over the disenfranchisement of medical professors from contesting for the office of Vice Chancellor in universities. MDCAN urged the government to implement measures to improve the welfare and working environment of doctors and other health professionals. This, they believe, would encourage the retention of human resources for health and address the current economic hardship.
The communique outlined several resolutions, including the need for the government to increase manpower production and provide matching personnel and infrastructure for training. MDCAN also called on the government to provide financial backing for a 50% subsidy in hospitals to reduce the cost of healthcare provision. Furthermore, the association urged governments, especially state governments, to prioritize the welfare of doctors and other healthcare professionals in their employment.
The ‘Japa syndrome’, which refers to the mass exodus of Nigerian doctors to other countries, has resulted in the remaining doctors being overstretched and compelled to overlook their own healthcare needs. MDCAN observed that the government’s continued appointment of consultants in professions allied to medicine has caused confusion and chaos in hospitals, affecting patient care and safety.
Despite the public announcement of a 50% subsidy on electricity for public hospitals, the implementation has not commenced, threatening the achievement of affordable healthcare services for Nigerians. The association expressed worry over the attempts by other healthcare professionals to take over some of the duties of doctors. The newly elected executives of MDCAN include Prof. Apollos Ndukuba as President, Prof. Sani Adamu as Vice President 1, and Dr. Augustustine N. Duru as Secretary General.
The significance of MDCAN’s call to action lies in its potential to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system. By prioritizing the welfare of doctors and other health professionals, the government can work towards providing affordable and quality healthcare services to Nigerians. The association’s resolutions will likely be closely watched by stakeholders in the healthcare sector, and their implementation could have a significant impact on the country’s health outcomes.