Chimamanda: NMA Demands Establishment of MDCN and Boards to Address Medical Malpractice Incidents

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Lagos State Branch, is pushing for the Federal Government to swiftly establish the membership of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, and boards of federal health institutions, in order to prevent delays in addressing medical negligence cases.

n

This call to action comes on the heels of a contentious report released by the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigation Panel, which probed the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Adichie-Esege, the son of Mrs. Chimamanda Adichie-Esege.

n

The panel's findings, coupled with widespread public outcry on social and traditional media, have underscored the urgent need for a fully constituted MDCN and its disciplinary tribunal to be put in place.

n

According to Dr. Saheed Babajide, Chairman of NMA Lagos State, the MDCN serves as the primary regulatory body through which Nigerians can seek justice for medical negligence.

n

Dr. Babajide pointed out that despite the Chairman of the Council having been appointed, other members have yet to be named, highlighting a critical gap in the system.

n

He questioned the value of appointing a Chairman without a full council, emphasizing the need for a complete membership to ensure the MDCN can function effectively.

n

Dr. Babajide warned that the failure to appoint council members and boards of federal health institutions has led to systemic failures within the Federal Ministry of Health, a trend he described as "dangerous, unacceptable, and disappointing".

n

The lack of a fully constituted Disciplinary Tribunal has resulted in undue mental stress for medical and dental practitioners, as they face disciplinary actions without final decisions being made, thereby delaying justice for all parties involved.

n

Dr. Babajide also criticized the premature release of the investigative panel's report to the media, including social media platforms, which he deemed "totally unacceptable" and a violation of the principle of fair hearing.

n

He emphasized that only the report of the Disciplinary Tribunal should be made public, in order to ensure a fair and just process.

n

The NMA Lagos State is urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take swift action and constitute the membership of the MDCN and the boards of federal health institutions and agencies.

n

This move is seen as crucial in preventing unnecessary delays in addressing matters of professional negligence and restoring confidence in the country's health system, particularly in the wake of the tragic death of Late Nkanu Adichie-Esege.