How to cushion brain drain effects in health sector –MDCAN – The Sun Nigeria

From Magnus Eze, Enugu

Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has proffered that retaining willing and productive consultants after the current age of retirement will cushion the effects of the massive brain drain in the nation’s health sector.

The association, therefore, called on relevant government agencies in the country to adopt the approach in tackling the challenge.

In a communiqué at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Enugu and jointly signed by the National President, Victor Makanjuola, and Secretary General, Yemi Raji, the MDCAN lamented that there is a persisting and deteriorating shortage in medical manpower, cutting across all levels and cadres of health professionals.

They said this has resulted in failure to fill up advertised vacancies by most of the hospitals in the country.

The association added that it had created pressure on those on ground and further compounded the existing challenge.

“The shortage of healthcare manpower has impacted negatively on the quality of healthcare services offered to the citizens. In addition, the wellbeing of the few remaining healthcare workers is equally not spared as many often suffer burnout,” the NEC said in the communiqué.

To this end, the consultants said: “All relevant government agencies must also put process in motion to cause the release of relevant circulars to elongate the retirement age of health workers as approved by government two years ago.

“In the interim all efforts should be made to retain willing and productive consultants after the current age of retirement, as stop gap measure to cushion the effects of the massive brain drain in the health sector.

“The government at all levels are encouraged to develop holistic healthcare policies geared towards revamping the fast deteriorating healthcare systems in Nigeria.

“The government should implement the approved hazard allowance for healthcare workers without further delay and pay all outstanding arrears.

“MDCAN once more implores on well-meaning Nigerians to appeal to government to address the shortfall in the salaries of honorary consultants, who are clinical lecturers.”