Dental Association Demands Repeal of Discriminatory Circular

Healthcare Workers Deserve Fair Leave Policies, Says Dental Association

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is urging the Federal Government to rescind a contentious circular...

MDCAN opposes discriminatory policy, advocates for fairness and equity in Nigeria's healthcare sector.

The Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has condemned a circular that's causing quite a stir in the healthcare community. Essentially, this policy forces doctors and other healthcare professionals to resign from their positions instead of granting them leave of absence, which is their right under the law.

MDCAN President Aminu Mohammad and Secretary Daiyabu Ibrahim have made it clear that this circular goes against established civil service regulations. They're calling out the policy as discriminatory and are urging the government to reverse the decision. This move has significant implications for healthcare workers, and the association is fighting for their rights.

Key Concerns:

Forced Resignation: Healthcare professionals are being forced to resign instead of being granted leave.

Contradiction of Civil Service Regulations: The policy goes against established laws.

Discrimination: MDCAN has labeled the policy as discriminatory.

The association's stance is clear: the government needs to reconsider this policy to protect the rights of healthcare workers.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is urging the Federal Government to rescind a contentious circular that allegedly discriminates against healthcare workers by denying them their rightful leave of absence. This call to action follows MDCAN's National Executive Council meeting on September 18, where the association expressed strong objections to the government's new policy, citing it as a clear violation of civil service rules.

MDCAN's stance highlights the potential consequences of discriminatory policies in the healthcare sector. Research has shown that experiences of discrimination within healthcare settings can act as a barrier to care, particularly for socially disadvantaged populations. In France, for instance, studies have revealed significant disparities in rates of discrimination and foregone healthcare across various demographic groups, including women, immigrants, and individuals of African origin.

Key Concerns Raised by MDCAN:

Discriminatory Circular: The government's new policy allegedly denies healthcare workers their lawful leave of absence.

Violation of Civil Service Rules: MDCAN asserts that the policy contravenes established civil service regulations.

Impact on Healthcare Workers: The association is concerned about the potential consequences of this policy on healthcare workers' well-being and ability to provide quality care.

MDCAN's advocacy aims to champion fairness, equity, and justice for all healthcare workers, securing their rightful benefits and protections.

“The National Executive Council of MDCAN further urges Nigerian universities to halt the discriminatory advertisements against holders of Medical and Dental Fellowship of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), West African College of Surgeons (WACS), and West African College of Physicians (WACP) who aspire to the positions of Vice-Chancellor.

“This discrimination was recently observed at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, University of Abuja, and Delta State University,” the communique stated.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has sounded the alarm on rising insecurity, citing attacks on doctors and healthcare workers - even inside hospitals. This growing threat demands urgent attention from authorities.

MDCAN also seeks reforms in selecting university Vice-Chancellors. They urge the Federal Ministry of Education and Nigerian Universities Commission to create a fair, inclusive framework, giving equal opportunities to qualified candidates across all disciplines.

The MDCAN demands immediate action from relevant authorities to ensure the safety and equitable treatment of healthcare professionals.