Communique Released By The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria.

The MDCAN National Executive Council meeting was held from the 24t to the 27th ofApril, 2016 at Sokoto, Sokoto State, Nigeria. The theme of the conference was “Universal Health Coverage” with the sub-theme of “MoH Takes Care of the Health Needs of the Children in Especially Difficult Circumstances in the Current Nigerian Environment”

The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Tijjani M. Bande mni, Director General, National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kum, Jos and former Vice Chancellor, Usinanu Danfodiya University, Sokoto.

The Guest lecture was delivered by Prof. Hamidu Ahmed(00n), Professor of Paediatric Neurology and former Provost, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto while the lecture on the theme was delivered by Prof. M. Oche, a Professor of Community Medicine and Head, Department of Community Medicine Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.

The NEC meeting which was attended by over a hundred delegates from different branches across the length and breadth of the country deliberated on numerous issues germane to health care delivery in Nigeria.

1. That the mood of the NEC was soured by the news of the demise of six doctors (including two of our members, Dr. Tunde Aladesanmi a General Surgeon at Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti and Dr. Olufemi J. Taiwo an Anatomic Pathologist at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital) and the official driver of the Ekiti State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) following a road traffic accident on their way to Sokoto for NMA Annual Delegates Meeting.

2. That there was a renewed effort by the Federal Government and leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health towards repositioning the health care delivery system of the country. These efforts were commended.

3 That there was need to improve Universal Health Coverage through a new strategy by expanding the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

4. That there was need for a renewed commitment by the government to the welfare of her members.

1. The MDCAN is committed to instituting a process of self-auditing to address the alleged issue of professional laxity on part of her members. Machinery should be put in motion to actualize this.

2. To reactivate the Medical Defense Union as an instrument to provide support or cover to our members who may suffer some vicarious liabilities in the course of pursuit of their legitimate duties.

3. To continue to support to members/branches of the Association and the management of th eir respective hospitals who are currently embroiled in professional related lawsuits.

4. That all branches of the Association should demand payment of skipping allowance to members from the management of their hospitals. The MDCAN branches should be proactive to ensure its realization.

5. That the NEC commiserates with the Government and good people of Ekiti State, Ekiti State NMA and families of the deceased and prays God to grant the families of our deceased colleagues the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May their souls rest in peace.