The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has raised alarm over the dwindling number of medical consultants in the country. Speaking at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting in Ilorin on Thursday, MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad, revealed that only 6,000 consultants remain in Nigeria as of February 2024. Themed “Policy Making for Quality Healthcare Services: Engaging Policy Makers for Quality Healthcare Delivery,” the meeting highlighted the growing impact of the “Japa” syndrome on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Prof. Mohammad lamented the alarming trend, disclosing that approximately 1,300 consultants had left the country in the past five years. This exodus continues to cripple healthcare delivery, with many experienced professionals seeking greener pastures abroad.
“Currently, only 6,000 medical and dental consultants serve a population of over 200 million Nigerians,” he noted. “Out of these, about 1,700 consultants are above 55 years old, meaning they will retire in the next five years. This highlights the urgent need to address the replacement gap, as we produce only one or two consultants annually. The replacement rate cannot keep up with the loss from ‘Japa’ syndrome and retirements,” Mohammad added.
Extending Retirement Age
In a bid to mitigate the looming crisis, Prof. Mohammad commended the Federal Government for its efforts toward finding sustainable solutions. He expressed optimism that medical consultants would be allowed to extend their service years to 70, while other healthcare workers could serve up to 65 years. Such measures, he argued, would help retain the expertise of seasoned professionals and stabilize the health sector.
“We appeal to the government to implement these changes as part of a long-term strategy to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals,” he urged. He also stressed the need to create an enabling environment that would allow healthcare practitioners to deliver top-tier services in the country.
Addressing Salary Disparities
The MDCAN president further called on the government to place medical lecturers on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
“There are glaring disparities in emoluments for medical lecturers. Addressing this issue will not only ensure equity but also serve as an incentive to retain our brightest minds in the country,” Mohammad stated.
Government’s Response
Kwara State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, echoed Prof. Mohammad’s concerns, emphasizing that the NEC meeting’s theme was timely.
“Appropriate policies are crucial for enabling the government to deliver quality healthcare to citizens. We must prioritize creating an environment that supports healthcare professionals and ensures excellent service delivery,” she noted.
The Path Forward
The ongoing exodus of medical consultants poses significant challenges to Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system. With an increasing number of professionals retiring or seeking opportunities abroad, the country faces a widening gap in its healthcare workforce. Policymakers and stakeholders must urgently implement strategies to address these issues, from increasing training and retention to revising retirement policies and addressing salary disparities.
The MDCAN’s NEC meeting underscores the pressing need for systemic reform and the collective effort required to restore the vibrancy of Nigeria’s healthcare system. As the nation grapples with the realities of the “Japa” phenomenon, innovative policies and sustained commitment from all tiers of government remain pivotal in safeguarding the health of millions.
