The Federal Government’s intention to stop paying the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has been criticised by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) as being poorly thought out.
The NMA issued a warning that the plan could only result in catastrophe for the nation’s healthcare system.
The NMA’s National President, Dr. Uche Ojinmah, made this statement at a news conference held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, as part of events commemorating the state’s 2023 NMA Physicians’ Week with the theme “This Is Our Chance To Get It Right.”
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The federal government revealed its decision to suspend supporting various organisations, including the MDCN, in a circular from the Budget Office dated June 26.
Ojimah’s address was given by Dr. Adewale Lasisi, the Oyo State NMA chairman, who claimed that the Federal Government had no choice but to support the MCDN because its role in regulating medical and dental practise is so crucial.
The association had previously urged the government to start paying the recently revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), along with any arrears, as well as the accoutrement allowance for physicians and dentists.
It also urged the Oyo State Government to approve and put into effect the upward revision of hazard allowances for state doctors and other healthcare professionals in the state, as is already the case in the majority of states in the area.
