From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that his administration will increase investment in the health sector so that the country can halt the loss of well-trained professionals to other countries.
Buhari gave the assurance when he met with the executive members of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) at the State House, Abuja, yesterday.
His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement, said the president appreciated the concern expressed by the association on the state of the health sector in the country and assured thus: “We will do our best to work on your recommendations and increase investment in the health sector.”
In his remarks, MDCAN President, Professor Ngim Ngim, said the association consists of trainers, researchers, leaders and major stakeholders in health care, who are concerned about the well-being of the sector.
He appealed for action on the resolution of inter-professional rivalry in health care in the country, and noted that a panel was convened in 2014, to look into the issues, headed by Alhaji Yayale Ahmed, “but, no White Paper has been issued till date.” MDCAN also sought better health financing, and need for a single term of five years for Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of tertiary hospitals.