The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has described the Federal Government’s plan to stop funding the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) by 2024 as ill-conceived and potentially disastrous.
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The Federal Government had, through a circular from the Budget Office, dated June 26, 2023, announced its decision to cease funding Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, along with other notable professional bodies, including the MDCN, effective from January 1, 2024.
Uche Ojinmah, the National President of the association, made this announcement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a press conference as part of the activities marking the 2023 NMA Physician’s Week, tagged: “This Is Our Chance: To Get It Right In the Health Sector.” Ojinmah, whose prepared speech was read by the state Chairman of NMA, Wale Lasisi, said, “The plan to stop funding MDCN from next year, to us, is ill-conceived and can only lead to disaster. The role of the MDCN in regulating medical and dental practice is so vital that government funding is appropriate.
“If we stop funding the MDCN, I wonder who will take on this responsibility? Probably, the doctors and dentists will have to assume responsibility for funding a body that regulates and may have to discipline them if necessary. Let us remember that he who pays the piper may dictate the tune.” He, therefore, called on the government to continue funding the MDCN in the interest of the health and well-being of the citizenry.
The president, who had earlier cautioned everyone not to undermine Nigerian doctors in any way, further urged them to follow due process if aggrieved or in discharging their responsibilities. He said, “If anyone has any case against a doctor practicing in Nigeria, it should be directed to the Registrar of MDCN for the appropriate response, as the body is statutorily responsible for such matters.
“The NMA hereby expresses its displeasure at the recent media trial of some healthcare workers by the Minister of Women Affairs. We believe that such behavior is beneath the dignity of someone in such a high office. The NMA is closely monitoring all processes and proceedings regarding the case in the FCT and will respond appropriately.
“We also take this opportunity to express our condolences to the relatives of the deceased and call on our security agencies to do their job by identifying the culprits responsible for her death.” The association also used the occasion to call on the Oyo State Government to immediately commence the payment of the recently reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and Consolidated Health Salary Structure with their arrears, along with the accouterment allowance for medical doctors and dentists. It also appealed to the state government to approve and promptly implement the upward revision of hazard allowances for state doctors and other healthcare workers, as is already the case in most states in the region.
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