MDCAN President Reveals Only 6,000 Medical Consultants Left in Nigeria
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has raised alarm over the dwindling number of medical consultants in the country, revealing that only 6,000 remain as of February 2024. This was disclosed by MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad, during the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin, which focused on the theme: “Policy Making for Quality Healthcare Services: Engaging Policy Makers for Quality Healthcare Delivery.”
Prof. Mohammad expressed concern over the growing shortage, citing data that showed approximately 1,300 consultants have left Nigeria over the past five years. He highlighted that the situation is expected to worsen, with 1,700 consultants currently over the age of 55, and many expected to retire within the next five years.
Consultants’ Aging Workforce and ‘Japa’ Syndrome
The MDCAN president noted that the replacement rate of consultants is far too slow to keep up with the loss of professionals due to both retirement and the ongoing “Japa” syndrome, where healthcare workers are leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.
Mohammad explained that Nigeria currently produces only one or two new consultants annually, which is insufficient to replace the retiring workforce. This, he said, poses a significant challenge to the healthcare system’s sustainability.
A Call for Policy Changes and Extended Service Years
In response to these challenges, Mohammad commended the government’s efforts to address the crisis and urged them to extend the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years, while other healthcare workers should be allowed to serve up to 65 years. This, he argued, would help retain the expertise of the experienced professionals who remain in the country.
Additionally, he called on the government at all levels to place medical lecturers on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and address disparities in healthcare workers’ salaries. He emphasized the need for a conducive working environment to allow consultants to deliver the best quality healthcare in Nigeria.
Kwara Health Commissioner Supports Policy Reform
Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, echoed the importance of appropriate policies, noting that such reforms are essential for improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that citizens have access to quality medical services.
