The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called for an extension of the country’s retirement age for health workers.

This is contained in a communique signed by Emmanuel Musa, chairman, MDCAN FCT chapter, on Saturday in Abuja.

The communique was issued at the end of the association’s 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM), and Scientific Conference on Friday.

According to the communique, the MDCAN proposed retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years while that of medical and dental consultants to 70 years.

The communique also stated the need for government at all levels to strengthen primary healthcare.

It assured FCT residents of doctors’ commitment to quality healthcare delivery.

The communique said government and other employers of specialist medical and dental consultants need to do better in terms of the welfare of doctors.

“For example, one wonders why the federal government has failed to review the CONMESS salary structure, which according to collective bargain was due since 2014,” it said.

The communique also queried the quality of healthcare available in the country’s medical facilities, adding that the citizens deserved much better than what is currently available.

The association expressed worries over the effect of brain drain on the remaining members operating under poor working conditions.

It also stressed that medical workers lack the necessary equipment for the proper diagnosis and treatment of patients in most hospitals.

The communique, however, urged the FCT administration to provide housing or land for the medical and dental consultants to enable them to cope with the high cost of living in the FCT.

They, however, commended the Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, for his efforts to transform the medical sector, urging him to do more. 

(NAN)