Group seeks extension of retirement age for health workers

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigerian (MDCAN) on Saturday called for an extension of the retirement age of health workers in the country.

This is contained in a communique signed by Dr Emmanuel Musa, Chairman, MDCAN FCT administration chapter, and issued in Abuja.

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

According to the communique, the MDCAN proposed retirement age for health workers from 60 years 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 the primary healthcare.

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

The communique said that government and other employers of specialist medical and dental consultants need to do better in terms of 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 available at present.

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 much-needed equipment necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment of patients in most of the hospitals.

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

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