The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has strongly urged the federal and state governments to reintegrate retired medical consultants into the country’s health system. This call comes amid deepening concerns over the continued exodus of health professionals and the deteriorating manpower crisis affecting hospitals nationwide.
The appeal was made through a communiqué issued at the conclusion of MDCAN’s recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which took place in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State. The communiqué, jointly signed by the association’s National President, Dr. Victor Makanjuola, and Secretary-General, Dr. Yemi R. Raji, painted a grim picture of Nigeria’s overstretched and under-resourced health sector.
Brain Drain Fuels Workforce Shortage Across All Levels
MDCAN lamented the alarming scale of brain drain, which has not only hollowed out the health sector’s talent base but also resulted in widespread unfilled vacancies in many health institutions across the country. The association warned that the departure of healthcare professionals has triggered a domino effect, creating additional strain on the few doctors and specialists left behind.
“The persistent and worsening shortage of healthcare manpower affects all levels and cadres of health professionals,” the statement read. “Even when vacancies are advertised, most hospitals are unable to attract qualified candidates to fill them.”
The association added that this situation had a direct negative impact on the quality of healthcare delivery to Nigerian citizens, while also jeopardizing the physical and emotional well-being of the remaining personnel. According to the communiqué, many healthcare workers face extreme fatigue and burnout due to the increased workload.
Reabsorbing Retirees: A Temporary but Necessary Fix
To mitigate the crisis, MDCAN advised that all relevant government agencies immediately take steps to implement circulars extending the retirement age for healthcare professionals — a policy approved two years ago but yet to be enforced across the board.
“In the meantime, the government should retain willing and competent consultants who have reached retirement age as a stop-gap measure,” the association urged. “These experienced professionals remain highly productive and can help bridge the current gaps while more permanent solutions are developed.”
This interim recommendation is part of a broader set of proposals aimed at stabilizing the sector and averting a total collapse of the healthcare system.
Government Urged to Prioritize Health Reforms and Worker Welfare
Beyond manpower retention, MDCAN also emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s healthcare policies. The association implored all levels of government to craft and implement long-term strategies focused on rebuilding the collapsing health infrastructure, boosting human resources, and improving service delivery.
In addition, MDCAN called for the immediate implementation of the approved hazard allowance for healthcare workers, urging the authorities to clear all outstanding arrears without further delay.
“It is unconscionable that health workers who risk their lives daily have to wait endlessly for allowances already approved by the government,” the communiqué stated.
Clinical Lecturers Left Behind
The association further raised alarm over the continued salary discrepancies affecting honorary consultants, who serve as clinical lecturers in Nigeria’s medical education system. MDCAN appealed to the general public and other stakeholders to pressure the government into resolving this issue, noting that the shortfall in their remuneration undermines the country’s future medical training and education.
“We once again implore well-meaning Nigerians to speak out and push the government to address the shortfall in salaries for honorary consultants who also double as educators,” the statement read.
Conclusion
MDCAN’s communique reflects the increasing frustration within Nigeria’s healthcare community. With the nation’s health system under strain from an ongoing talent exodus, coupled with policy delays and systemic neglect, the call to reabsorb retired consultants may offer a short-term solution. However, without swift and decisive reforms to retain and motivate the current workforce, the long-term prognosis for Nigeria’s healthcare sector remains bleak.
