Japa Crisis: Nigeria Left with Just 6,000 Medical Consultants — MDCAN
Kehinde Fajobi
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has raised concerns over the significant decline in the number of medical consultants in the country, revealing that only 6,000 consultants remain as of February 2024.
MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad, shared the alarming statistics during the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin on Thursday, themed “Policy Making for Quality Healthcare Services: Engaging Policy Makers for Quality Healthcare Delivery.”
Mohammad noted that 1,300 consultants have left Nigeria in the past five years, contributing to the growing shortage.
He further explained that with the retirement age for consultants set at 60, the situation will only worsen as 1,700 consultants are above 55 years old. “In the next five years, they are going to leave the services for retirement,” he warned.
He pointed out that Nigeria produces only one or two consultants annually, making it difficult to replace those leaving due to emigration or retirement.
Mohammad commended the government’s efforts to address these issues and expressed hope that extending the retirement age for medical and dental consultants to 70 years would help retain expertise in the country.
He also appealed to the government to ensure medical lecturers are included in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and addressed disparities in their pay.
“We want an environment where we will be able to practice and deliver the best quality healthcare in Nigeria,” Mohammad stated.
Kwara’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, emphasized the importance of targeted policies for improving healthcare delivery.
“Policies must be domesticated to the peculiarities of the state or nation,” she said, underlining their role in safeguarding citizens’ health.
Dr. Amos Magaji, a lawmaker and guest speaker, stressed the importance of healthcare policy, noting that the National Health Insurance Authority would help ensure Nigerians have access to essential healthcare services.
Prof. Tanimola Akande, a Consultant in Public Health, advised doctors to focus on self-care, regular check-ups, and exercise to ensure their well-being.
MDCAN-NEC meeting chairman, Prof. Kazeem Ibrahim, highlighted the ineffectiveness of past policies in improving healthcare for vulnerable citizens, and the meeting aimed to propose solutions to both the “Japa” syndrome and other healthcare challenges.