The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to as matter of urgency, constitute the governing board of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN); saying that the government of change must be seen to work within the ambit of the law.
The NMA, an umbrella body of all Nigerian Doctors in the country and in the diaspora., said the health care delivery in the country is being challenged by the continued absence of the regulatory bodies of health institutions.
The NMA President, Dr. Mike O. Ogirima, while lamenting the situation said the MDCN) is the regulatory body charged with the responsibility of regulating medical practice and undergraduate training of medical students, including accreditation of all medical schools, both public and private, in the country.
He pointed out that the body is also responsible for the enforcement of disciplinary measures against erring medical practitioners in the country in order to safeguard lives.
Dr. Ogirima said: “The protection of lives is a fundamental human right to which all Nigerians are entitled. On this note, the NMA wishes to strongly call on President, Muhammadu Buhari, to as matter of urgency, constitute the governing board of MDCN. The government of change must be seen to work within the ambit of the law aimed at gaining back the lost glory.”
The association also observed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) is incursing into medical training in the country.; thereby taking over the responsibility of the MDCN and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).