By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has advised the Federal Government against the use of foreign medical professionals to contain the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.
The Association also said the country has a large pool of medical personnel that can be used to curb the scourge.
This was disclosed by MDCAN President, Professor Kenneth Ozoilo, while briefing journalists in Jos the Plateau State Capital.
Ozoilo said, “Health personnel are more at risk in the wake of the covid19 pandemic, therefore government should make available adequate personal protective equipment to hospitals.
“We therefore urged government to prioritize the ailing health sector beyond the coronavirus pandemic”, he maintained.
The MDCAN President called for the provision of more equipment at isolation centres by states, and urged the public to comply with regulations giving for curbing the spread of the disease.
“We commend the health workers for their response effort thus far. The degree of success so far recorded, which has been acknowledged by even the World Health Organisation, is in no small measure due to their sacrifice in daily putting their lives at risk so that Nigerians might be safe.
According to him, “This is despite the severe shortage of working materials and age long shortcomings in their work conditions and environment.
“We call on government at federal and state levels to reciprocate this effort and sacrifice by seizing this opportunity to address long standing issues with remunerations and working conditions especially the hazard allowance of health personnel.
Ozoilo added that, “This will also go a long way in not only achieving success in the current effort, but also in reversing the phenomenon of brain drain going forward.
He however acknowledged that, “The challenge before us is arduous, but we believe that there is no reason to despair.
“This is an opportunity to commence the rebuilding of our health systems and that process must start immediately.
“We must shun quick fixes, in favour of lasting systemic solutions.
“Whatever investments are made into the Nigerian health system in response to this pandemic will be there for the benefit of Nigerians beyond this present challenge”, he stressed.
The Union warned against the the harassment of essential service providers by security personnel.
The body urged it’s member to continue to render services to the public in a bid to save live as the disease threatehend the very existence of humanity.
