Health
Medical Consultants’ Chairman Pledges Reforms, Better Healthcare Delivery
The newly elected Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja, Dr Samaila Timothy, has pledged to pursue reforms that will strengthen the association and improve healthcare delivery.
Timothy made the pledge at a dinner to unveil the association’s 2026–2028 executive committee and mark the end of its week-long 11th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference.
He said his administration would build on the achievements of previous executives and work with members to address challenges facing doctors and the healthcare sector.
“I have served as vice chairman and secretary of this branch, and now as chairman. I understand the needs of the association and I am committed to providing purposeful leadership,” he said.
Timothy urged members to support the new executive to enable it implement programmes that would strengthen the association and improve healthcare services.
He said the executive would work closely with the national leadership of MDCAN to address issues affecting consultants, resident doctors and the medical profession.
The chairman identified inadequate healthcare funding, poor remuneration and insufficient resources as major challenges confronting the sector.
He said the association would advocate increased government investment in healthcare to improve laboratory and radiology services, including access to MRI and CT scan facilities.
According to him, many Nigerians are unable to afford essential diagnostic services because of their high cost.
“It is unacceptable for a patient to pay more than the national minimum wage just to undergo an MRI or CT scan. We must find ways to make these services more affordable,” he said.
Timothy said the branch would explore ways of supporting humanitarian healthcare interventions and advocate government-backed subsidies for diagnostic services.
He added that improved funding would enable public hospitals to provide quality diagnostic services, reducing dependence on expensive private facilities.
The chairman also pledged to improve service delivery across all departments of the hospital.
“We will ensure our members give their best to Nigerians so that FMC Abuja becomes a one-stop hospital for quality healthcare and reduces the need for medical tourism,” he said.
Earlier, the immediate past Chairman of MDCAN-FMC Jabi, Dr Abdullahi Nasiru, thanked members for their support throughout his two-year tenure.
Nasiru said the achievements recorded by his administration were made possible through the cooperation and commitment of members.
He pledged to support the new leadership in his capacity as an ex-officio member of the executive committee.
“With the calibre of people now in the executive, I am confident the association will achieve even greater success,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Tosin Kolade