The National Executive Council meeting of MDCAN was held from 18th to 21st of January, 2018 at Cihcotel Classique Hotel, Awka and hosted by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, Nigeria Chapter of MDCAN. The theme of the conference was "Medical Negligence: The Role of Consultants in Stemming the Tide". The sub-theme was: "The Nigerian Doctor: His Financial Quagmire and the Efficiency Question". 

 

The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, former Minister of Health, Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

The Guest of Honour was His Excellency, Chief. (Dr.) Willie Obiano (Akpokuo-Dike Global), Executive Governor of Anambra State represented by Dr. Josephat Akabuike, Honourable Commissioner of Health, Anambra State. 

 

The Guest Lectures were delivered by Prof. E.O. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa (Urologist), Provost College of Medicine, University of Ibadan and Dr. Nosa Orhue (Public Health Physician), Chairman, Remuneration Committee, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). 

 

The NEC meeting which was attended by 171 delegates from 53 chapters across the length and breadth of the country deliberated on numerous issues germane to health care delivery in Nigeria and welfare of members. 

 

OBSERVATIONS: 

During the meeting, the NEC observed as follows: 

 

1. That the recent outbreak of Lassa Fever in some parts of the country has resulted in the loss of lives of patients, medical doctors and healthcare workers, with some other medical personnel still undergoing treatment. 

2. That the rising spate insecurity and kidnappings perpetrated by militia groups, criminals and cultists across the country with regrettable loss of lives and property is condemnable. Regrettably, some of our members have been targets of these kidnappings. 

3. That there are issues concerning the payment of outstanding remuneration arrears and enrolment of Honorary Consultants in the federal service on the IPPIS platform. 

4. That the Federal Government has set up the National Minimum Wage Committee which is commendable. 

5. That there is need for accelerated action towards the passage of the Tertiary Hospitals Development Fund Bill which will go a long way in improving facilities in our hospitals thereby enhancing the nation's health care delivery system, curb brain drain and medical tourism. 

6. That there is increasing need to expand the capacity and funding for undergraduate medical training in Nigeria in order to stem the tide of young Nigerians going to poorly equipped medical schools abroad for training. 

 

RESOLUTIONS: After extensive and in-depth deliberations, the NEC resolved as follows: 

1. That the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in parts of the country is regrettable and commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives as a result of this outbreak. 

2. That the relevant agencies of the federal and state governments should quickly take steps to contain this outbreak and ensure the availability of all drugs needed for the treatment of infected persons. MDCAN is willing and ready to work with the government to address this challenge. 

3. Members of the public are called upon to institute measures to eradicate the rodents responsible for the transmission of this deadly virus. 

4. Doctors are reminded on the need to always observe universal precautions while attending to patients. These measures include but are not limited to the use of personal protective devices, and hospitals are enjoined to make these available at all times to safeguard the lives of medical personnel and other health workers. 

5. That the Federal Government of Nigeria and the relevant security agencies should as a matter of urgency take immediate steps to contain the security challenges, including kidnapping, across the length and breadth of Nigeria in order to restore confidence of the citizens and foreigners alike and boost social and economic activities. 

6. That all relevant organs of Government should expedite action towards resolving all outstanding issues regarding remuneration and welfare of her members and other healthcare workers. 

7. Recommends the establishment of Medical Universities by the Federal government of Nigeria in order to enhance the funding and capacity for undergraduate medical training and allied courses in the country. This will improve the doctor — population ratio and positively impact health care delivery in Nigeria. MDCAN is ready to liaise with relevant agencies of government to work out the details of its implementation. 

8. The government is urged to increase funding to the currently existing Medical Colleges in Nigeria to improve the facilities and quality of training. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

MDCAN wishes to express her profound gratitude to His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Willie Obiano, The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike, The Chief Medical Director, COOUTH, Dr. Basil Nwankwo, the Vice Chancellor, COOU, Awka, Prof. Fidelis Okafor and the Provost, College of Medicine, COOU, Prof Walter Nwafia, for their moral and financial support towards the successful hosting of this NEC meeting. 

 

Prof. Ngim Ewezu Ngim President 

Dr Affiong Ibanga Secretary General