Ethical Responsibility of Medical Practioners and Dental Surgeons
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) is the agency of government of the federation saddled with the registration and discipline of members of the medical and dental professions in Nigeria.
This notice has become necessary in view of the worrisome reports of alleged ethical violations by registered medical Practitioners and dental surgeons received by the Council.
Practitioners are called upon to note that the Council has published a Code of Ethics for the guidance of members of the professions in th course of their professional pursiuts. The Code is published pursuant to the Council's Powers and Provided by sectin 1(2) of the Medical and Dental Practitioners' Act Cap M8 LFN 2010 and violation reported to the Council, is punishable under section 16(2) of the same Act.
Practitioners are called upon to particularly note the provision of Rule 25 of the Code on Highly hazardous(contagious) ailments for example Lassa fever and Ebola. While adopting the fully accepted measures to prevent themselves from becoming infected, they should in no way discriminate in handling and treating patients such ailment and should maintain appropriate confidentiality and adopt a multi-disciplinary approach. Referral of such patients should be strictly based on Professional needs. By their nature highly contagious diseases like lassa fever and Ebola are conditions which must be reported to the public Health Authorities (State Ministry of Health or the Federal Ministry of Health). The Code permits discretionary breach of confidentiality to protect the patient and the community.
Holding on to patients presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive or diagnosed, to be lassa Fever or Ebola without reporting to the appropriate Public Health Authrotiy is a gross ethical violation.
The Public is called upon to report to the MDCN any doctor whose conduct is suspected to be unprofessional.
Report should be sent to the Registrar Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria at the following addresses:
1. Medical and Dental Council House, Plot 1102 Cadastral Zone B11, Behind Prince and Princess Estate, Kaura Distric Abuja, FCT.
2. No 25 Ahmed Onibudo Street, Victoria Island Lagos, Lagos State.
3. Plot 3, Uguwan Gwari Cresent, Zaria Road Kaduna North Local Government Area, Kaduna, Kaduna State.
4. No 2, Ogufere Street, Off Okpara Avenue, GRA Enugu. Enugu State.
5. Doctors' House, No 11 Peter Tokula, Opposite Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution, GRA, Ilorin, Kwara State.
Signed
Dr. A.A Ibrahim Dsc, mni
Registrar
ABUJA: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
PORTHARCOURT: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
LAGOS: Training Schedule for Basic Life Support BLS, Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS, First Aid, CPR, AED
You may also like
When Healthcare and Roads Become Casualties of Corruption—Why the ICPC’s Wake-Up Call Must Be a Turning Point
Over 60% of corruption cases in Nigeria involve funds meant for healthcare …
Wike’s Approval of 34 Resident Doctors: A Step Forward or a Drop in the Ocean?
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved th…
Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: A Crisis That Demands More Than Just Talk
It is no longer news that Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortalit…
A Revolution in Pediatric Care: The Therapeutic Playroom at Gbagada General Hospital
lIn a healthcare landscape often focused on medications and procedures, Gba…
Nigeria’s Nursing Crisis: Is the ‘Japa’ Wave Inevitable?
The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) has raised serious con…
