The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja Chapter, has called for improved healthcare funding, better welfare packages and increased investment to strengthen healthcare delivery.
The call was made on Wednesday at the association’s 11th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference with the theme, “The Physician’s Trajectory: Assessing Our Present, Securing Our Future”.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Tessy Ahmadu, said the theme reflected the changing realities of medical practice, driven by scientific advancement, evolving patient expectations, economic challenges and emerging health concerns.
Ahmadu said the conference provided an opportunity for physicians to assess their progress, address challenges and develop strategies to secure a sustainable future for the profession and the healthcare system.
She added that discussions would focus on building a lasting medical legacy through mentorship, leadership, research, service and protection of physicians’ professional rights.
Representing the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, the Senior Special Assistant on Administration and Strategy, Dr Abdullahi Kauranmata, commended medical consultants for their contributions to specialist healthcare, training of health professionals and medical research.
Kauranmata said the Federal Capital Territory Administration appreciated the role of consultants in improving healthcare delivery and remained committed to supporting initiatives that would enhance residents’ wellbeing.
He urged participants to maximise the scientific sessions, saying the recommendations from the conference would contribute to the continued growth of the health sector.
The keynote speaker and Managing Director of Kelina Hospital, Dr Celsus Undie, said physicians must take greater responsibility for securing the future of the profession amid challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
Undie identified inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, insecurity, workplace pressures and migration of healthcare workers as some of the challenges confronting doctors.
He urged physicians to invest in professional development, leadership, mentorship and innovation, noting that consultants had a responsibility to strengthen healthcare institutions and train future generations.
The Chairman of the occasion, retired Maj.-Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, commended MDCAN for promoting professional development through continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
Airhiavbere said the quality of presentations at the conference demonstrated the importance of improving knowledge among healthcare professionals.
He called for changes in the funding structure of healthcare institutions, adding that greater financial autonomy would help hospitals improve service delivery.
The MDCAN Chairman, FMC Abuja Chapter, Dr Abdullahi Nasiru, said Nigeria’s healthcare system had recorded progress but still faced major challenges, particularly funding gaps and inadequate infrastructure.
Nasiru said many Nigerians still depended on out-of-pocket payments for medical services, making access to quality healthcare difficult.
He also raised concerns over the migration of doctors and other health workers, urging government to improve remuneration, working conditions and other incentives to retain professionals.
According to him, delayed release of funds to healthcare institutions had affected infrastructure development and stalled projects needed to improve patient care.
He stressed the need for sustained investment in healthcare to strengthen hospitals and ensure quality services for Nigerians. (NAN)
