The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has expressed deep concern over the Federal Government’s delay in implementing the approved 50% reduction in energy bills for federal health and educational institutions. Despite the government’s announcement in August 2024 to subsidize electricity costs for institutions under Band A feeders, the association noted that the promise remains unfulfilled.
In a communiqué issued on Thursday following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin, MDCAN also criticized the slow progress in executing agreements reached with the government concerning its demands.
Healthcare Workforce Crisis and Brain Drain
The association highlighted a severe shortage of medical professionals across all levels, with many advertised hospital positions remaining unfilled. The situation has forced some healthcare units to shut down, exacerbating the already dire impact of brain drain in the health and medical education sectors.
“This has negatively impacted the quality of healthcare services provided to Nigerians and placed an overwhelming burden on the existing workforce in medical schools and hospitals,” the communiqué stated. “Healthcare workers often suffer from burnout due to excessive workloads.”
The MDCAN also underscored Nigeria’s critical doctor-to-patient ratio, revealing that the country has only one doctor for every 2,500 individuals—far below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of one doctor per 600 individuals. The worsening “Japa” syndrome, which has seen a mass exodus of healthcare professionals, has further deepened this crisis, particularly in specialist services provided by MDCAN members.
Implementation Delays and Urgent Government Action
The NEC expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s failure to meet the December 15, 2024, deadline for implementing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2024. The agreement, mediated by the Minister of Labour, was meant to resolve longstanding disputes, yet its execution remains stalled.
“The NEC frowns at the slow progress of implementation of all the decisions and resolutions reached recently between MDCAN and the Federal Government,” the communiqué stated.
MDCAN also urged state governments to adopt the Federal Government’s approved 50% reduction in energy bills for state-owned hospitals to enhance healthcare service delivery. Additionally, it called for increased investment in sustainable renewable energy solutions for healthcare institutions.
Addressing Economic and Security Concerns
The association called on the government to tackle the country’s economic and security challenges to ensure sustained progress. It emphasized the need for urgent measures to retain healthcare workers, including compensation schemes for occupational infections, social security benefits, and workplace insurance.
“The Federal Government should put all necessary processes in motion to motivate healthcare workers to stay in the country, thereby curtailing the mass exodus to other countries,” MDCAN stated.
Additionally, the NEC demanded the immediate release of a circular increasing the retirement age for hospital consultants to 70 years and for other healthcare workers to 65 years, urging state governments to adopt these measures to address workforce deficits.
Call for Equity in Medical Training and Consultant Roles
MDCAN also urged universities, particularly those in the Southwest—including the University of Ibadan, the University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, and the University of Ilorin—to implement the payment of clinical lecturers under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), in line with other regions.
The association further called on the Federal Government to halt the proliferation of non-medical consultants in hospitals, citing potential risks to patient safety.
“The NEC rejects the continuous discrimination against Medical Fellowship Holders by some Nigerian universities, preventing them from advancing in their careers due to the absence of a PhD. Medical and Dental Fellowships suffice as both academic and professional qualifications in medical training and career progression,” the communiqué emphasized.
Urgent Need for Stakeholder Engagement
MDCAN urged the government to convene a critical stakeholders’ meeting to develop a holistic approach to resolving healthcare sector challenges. It also acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in improving safety but stressed the need for sustained measures to protect healthcare workers.
“The MDCAN stands ready to contribute innovative ideas towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges facing healthcare delivery in Nigeria,” it stated.
The association also called for improved road infrastructure, poverty reduction measures, and public awareness campaigns to prevent fuel tanker accidents, ensuring the safety of Nigerians.
