The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) yesterday said only 6,000 consultants were left in the country as of February last year.
Its President, Prof. Muhammad Mohammad, said about 1,300 left Nigeria in the last five years.
He spoke during the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
According to Mohammad, the number will continue to dwindle as the retirement age for medical consultants is 60 years.
He said: “About 1,700 consultants are above 55 years of age.
“This means that in the next five years, they are going to leave the services for retirement
“So, you can see that the replacement cannot keep up with the loss from ‘Japa’ syndrome and from retirement.”
Mohammad commended the government for its efforts toward finding solutions to the challenges.
According to him, the association is hopeful that consultants will be able to serve up to 70 years, while other healthcare workers will continue to serve up to 65 years.
He noted that such a move would ensure that medical and dental consultants who remain in the country continue to give their expertise in the health field.
Mohammad also appealed to the government to ensure medical lecturers are placed on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to address disparities in their emoluments.
“We also want to have an environment where we will be able to practice and deliver the best quality healthcare in Nigeria,” he said.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.