In an increased rate of japa syndrome among medical professionals and a retirement age set at 60, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has urged the Federal Government (FG) to enrol medical lecturers on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to curb brain drain.
At the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday in Ilorin, Kwara State, the president of MDCAN, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad, explained that about 1,300 consultants have relocated abroad due to poor working conditions and japa syndrome.
During the NEC meeting tagged, “Policy Making for Quality Healthcare Services: Engaging Policy Makers for Quality Healthcare Delivery,” the role of policies to improve healthcare service across the country were highlighted.
It was revealed that the country only has 6,000 medical consultants, leaving a significant effect on healthcare delivery nationwide.
Explaining more, MDCAN President, drawing his fact from the retirement age set at 60, the country should expect a decline among consultants.
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Stressing the effect of retirement age and low consultants in Nigeria, Prof. Mohammad said, “Approximately 1,700 consultants are above 55 years of age, which means that in the next five years, they will leave the system for retirement. Meanwhile, Nigeria produces only one or two consultants per annum, making it impossible to replace those leaving,” he said.
Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health, underscored the importance of effective policy-making in delivering adequate healthcare services.
To improve healthcare delivery, the guest speaker, Dr. Amos Magaji, a lawmaker from Kaduna State, stressed the need for vigorous policies.
Public health expert, Prof. Tanimola Akande, underscored the need for doctors to focus on self-care by engaging in regular check-ups, exercise, and overall wellness.
Similarly, Prof. Kazeem Ibrahim, chair of the local organising committee, expressed concerns over the shortcomings of previous healthcare policies and called for effective strategies to address pressing issues, including the ‘Japa’ syndrome..
