Kelvin Bowoto
A group of concerned stakeholders in the health sector has urged President Bola Tinubu, Minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, and Minister of State for Health Dr. Tunji Alausa to reconsider their stance on the appointment of a new registrar and chief executive officer for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The stakeholders contended that the inclination of the Ministers of Health to violate Section 4 and hijack the MDCN Council’s statutory facade of independence by appointing a registrar undermined the regulatory independence of the medical and dental professions.
Recall that President Tinubu recently confirmed the appointment and reappointment of several board chairpersons and chief executive officers (CEOs) for organizations within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Fatima Kyari, a well-known ophthalmologist, has been appointed Registrar/CEO of MDCN, while Afolabi Lesi chairs the Council’s Board.
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However, in a statement signed by Kolade Ogunbiyi, the stakeholders argued that the President’s appointment of the MDCN Registrar/CEO breached the requirements of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap M8 LFN 2004, and urged him to reverse his decision in the interests of the law.
The press release went on to say, “Our attention has been drawn to the President’s approval of leadership appointments in the health sector, including the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.”
“While we applaud the nomination of a Chairman for the Council, which had been due since November 2022, we would like to note that the President’s appointment of the Registrar violates the requirements of the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap M8 LFN 2004. Section 6(1) of the Act authorizes the Council to appoint a registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“That provision is consistent with Sections 5(1) and 171(1d) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“The tendency of ministers to violate Section 4 and usurp the Council’s statutory veneer of independence in appointing registrars runs counter to the regulatory independence of the medical and dental professions.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
