The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed concern over the failure of both federal and state governments to issue relevant circulars regarding the increase in the retirement age of hospital consultants to 70 years for doctors and 65 years for other healthcare workers in the country.
MDCAN also criticized the persistent inability of authorities to address issues such as salary shortfalls for clinical lecturers (honorary consultants) due to non-payment of their salaries according to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
These concerns were outlined in a communique issued at the conclusion of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which focused on the theme “Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and its Significance in Achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
The communique, jointly signed by MDCAN President Prof. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed and Secretary General Dr. Daiyabu Alhaji Ibrahim, emphasized the need for strategic plans to ensure universal access to quality healthcare for all Nigerians. They urged the government and stakeholders to adhere to the steps outlined in the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) and involve MDCAN and other critical stakeholders for effective delivery of healthcare.
Additionally, the association called for urgent action to address the demand for the Universal Applicability of CONMESS to all qualified Medical and Dental University Lecturers across various universities in the country. They emphasized the importance of increasing human resources and infrastructure in medical education to accommodate the rising number of medical students without compromising standards.
MDCAN also raised concerns about the recent Federal Government policy prohibiting healthcare workers from taking leave of absence, which they deemed discriminatory and a violation of their fundamental rights as citizens.
The communique highlighted the association’s longstanding commitment to healthcare delivery despite unanswered demands, urging the government to reciprocate by addressing their concerns.
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