One to 4,000 Doctor Population Ratio Unacceptable, MDCAN Tells FG

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has said that the one doctor to 4,000 persons ratio in Nigeria is highly unacceptable.

The group said the establishment of medical universities by the federal government would enhance the number of medical doctors trained in the country and also improve the health of Nigerians.

This was contained in a communique issued by the association after its national executive council meeting which held in Awka last week.

National President of the association, Prof. Ngim Ngim who briefed journalists recently on the outcome of the NEC meeting said the acceptable ration was one doctor to 600 population, but the present ratio of one doctor to 4,000 persons was capable of negatively impacting on the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.

“We recommend the establishment of medical universities by the federal government in order to enhance the funding and capacity for undergraduate medical training and allied courses in the country.

“This will improve the doctor - population ratio and positively impact healthcare delivery in Nigeria. MDCAN is ready to liaise with the relevant agencies of government to work out the details of its implementation.”

It called on the federal government to also increase funding to the currently existing medical colleges in Nigeria to improve the facilities and quality of training, these it said would stem the crave to seek medical tourism outside the country.

The group tasked the federal government on insecurity in parts of the country, while dwelling on the recent outbreak of Lassa fever. It called on the relevant agencies of the government to quickly take steps to contain the disease.

“Members of the public are called upon to institute measures to eradicate the rodents responsible for the transmission of the deadly virus.