From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
Some health stakeholders are expressing their concern regarding the appointment of a new Registrar for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, they argue that this appointment goes against the provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, which states that the authority to appoint a Registrar lies with the Council.
According to the stakeholders, this appointment undermines the regulatory independence of the medical and dental professions and violates the laws of Nigeria.
They are urging President Tinubu, Minister for Health Prof Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Health Mr. Tunji Alausa to reconsider their stance and adhere to the provisions of the law.
The stakeholders also applaud the appointment of a Chairman for the Council, which had been due since November 2022, but emphasize that the appointment of the Registrar should follow the proper channels outlined in the law.
The statement reads; “Our attention has been drawn to the President’s approval for leadership appointments in the Health Sector including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.”
“While applauding the appointment of a Chairman for the Council, an appointment that had been due since November 2022, we wish to point out that the appointment of the Registrar by the President is at variance with the provisions of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act Cap M8 LFN 2004. Section 6(1) of the Act vests the authority to appoint a Registrar for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria in the Council.”
“That provision is in consonance with sections 5(1) and 171(1d) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.”
“The penchant of ministers to violate the provisions section 4 and usurp the statutory veneer of independence of the Council to appoint Registrars is against the regulatory independence of the medical and dental professions.”
“We call on the President and Commander -in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to halt this violation of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.”