MDCAN Calls for 50% Electricity Subsidy for Hospitals and Universities

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s delay in implementing the 50% reduction in energy bills for federal health and educational institutions.

In a communiqué released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Ilorin, MDCAN also lamented the mass exodus of healthcare workers, worsening the country’s doctor-to-patient ratio and affecting service delivery.

Key Concerns Raised by MDCAN

🔹 50% Energy Subsidy Delay: The government promised to subsidize electricity for hospitals and universities under Band A feeders in August 2024, but implementation has not begun.

🔹 Massive Brain Drain: Nigeria currently has one doctor per 2,500 individuals, far below the WHO-recommended 1:600 ratio. The Japa syndrome has worsened the shortage, especially in specialist services.

🔹 Unmet Agreements: MDCAN criticized the slow implementation of agreements reached with the government in November 2024, including the 15th December 2024 deadline for resolving key demands.

🔹 Retirement Age Increase: MDCAN demanded the immediate implementation of the agreed retirement age of 70 years for consultants and 65 years for other healthcare workers to address workforce shortages.

🔹 Fair Compensation for Clinical Lecturers: The NEC urged Vice Chancellors, especially in the South West (University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, OAU, and University of Ilorin), to pay clinical lecturers using the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) as done in other regions.

🔹 Discrimination Against Medical Fellowship Holders: MDCAN rejected Nigerian universities’ policies that deny Medical Fellowship Holders career progression due to the absence of a PhD degree, emphasizing that Medical Fellowships are sufficient academic and professional qualifications.

🔹 Security for Healthcare Workers: The NEC called for urgent measures to protect doctors and health workers, while also acknowledging the efforts of security agencies in addressing safety concerns.

MDCAN’s Demands to the Government

Urgent implementation of the 50% electricity subsidy for federal and state health and educational institutions.
Compensation schemes for occupational infections, social security, and insurance for healthcare workers.
Immediate release of a circular approving the new retirement age for consultants and other medical workers.
Increased investments in renewable energy for hospitals and universities to ensure sustainable power supply.
Government action to address the root causes of fuel tanker accidents, road infrastructure failures, and poverty.

MDCAN warned that the delay in addressing these concerns is negatively impacting healthcare delivery, worker well-being, and patient safety, urging the government to act swiftly.

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