Tackle challenges in health sector, MDCAN tells Tinubu

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has tasked the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, on the need to tackle the challenges bedevilling the health sector in the country.

The association also urged Tinubu to ensure a smooth running of existing laws in the health sector.

In a congratulatory message signed by the President, Dr Victor Makanjuola, and Secretary, Dr Yemi Raji, the association said, “On behalf of the National Officers Committee and entire members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, we wish to congratulate you on your election as the next President of our dear country, Nigeria.

“Your victory at the 25 February 2023 poll testifies to the confidence that Nigerians have in your ability to turn around the fortunes of our country for the better. It is our hope that you will draw from the vast experience you have garnered over time, in both the public and private sectors and particularly your outstanding performance as the Executive Governor of a modern Lagos State, as you get set to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

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“It is evident that you will be inheriting the leadership of a country deeply divided along religious and ethnic lines. It is our belief that you will draw from your trademark tolerant and egalitarian disposition to pull our country together and leverage our diversity as a springboard for a resilient, strong, and united country – with an emerging country that will become a fountain of peace, development, and social justice.

“As the body of Medical and Dental Specialists in Nigeria, we call His Excellency’s attention to the needed reforms in the country’s health care delivery system. The system currently faces challenges of big funding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and a demoralised workforce. The poor motivation of healthcare workers has resulted in the ongoing emigration of our scarce healthcare workforce to more developed countries.

“Urgent attention from your new administration will be required for any meaningful hope of redemption. Committed operationalisation of the existing health-related laws such as the National Health Act 2014 and the recently enacted National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 has the potential to significantly close the existing funding gaps needed for expanding access to care by majority of Nigerians pursuant to the attainment of lofty goals of Universal Health Coverage.”