RESUMEN
In Nigeria, the medical education system faces challenges ranging from inadequate infrastructure to a lack of qualified personnel. These challenges not only affect the competency of graduating medical students but also lead to disruptions in academic calendars. The role of the Medical and Dental Consultants' Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in addressing these issues is crucial. This review examines the impact of MDCAN in enhancing the competency of graduating medical students and preventing disruptions in academic calendars in Nigeria. It discusses the importance of maintaining academic continuity and explores the reasons why disruptions in academic calendars are not viable options for pressuring the government to improve doctors' and lecturers' welfare packages. Through an analysis of relevant literature, this review underscores the significance of collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the quality of medical education and the smooth functioning of academic institutions in Nigeria. Ultimately, this paper proffers some solutions to mitigate the negative effects of strikes and improve the quality of undergraduate medical education.
RESUMEN
Background: The health workforce of a nation is crucial to its economic productivity and development. In Nigeria, the emigration of healthcare professionals from the country has become alarming and is fueled by various factors. This study thus determined to study the push and pull factors encouraging the emigration of medical consultants from Nigeria as well as their perceptions of what can be done to retain Nigeria's health workforce in the country. Methodology: An online survey of 238 consultants (fellows) of the West Africa College of Physicians, West Africa College of Surgeons, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria under the auspices of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Results: Push factors promoting the emigration of doctors identified in this study included the occurrence of armed conflict (66.0%), the inadequacy of job opportunities (69.7%), poor remuneration (69.7%) as well as the need to improve professional skills (82.4%). Pull factors supporting the emigration of the doctors included the need for better prospects for their professional practice (65.1%) and their children (84.9%), better remuneration (87.4%), and the assurance of better security (76.1%). Availability of incentives (82.4%), as well as improved security (85.3%) among other factors, were identified as being effective in retaining Nigeria's health workforce. Conclusion: The problem of doctors' emigration from Nigeria persists and is fueled by various factors that need to be addressed urgently for improving the retention of the country's health workforce. It is recommended that a holistic approach confronting issues of training, availability of an enabling environment as well as the professional progression of doctors be adopted in tackling this emigration problem.
RESUMEN
Background: Several efforts have been put in place to reduce the global burden of malaria especially in children and in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of malaria control activities on the trend of childhood malarial diseases at a tertiary hospital in South-south Nigeria. Methodology: A retrospective review of the case records of all malaria diagnoses including in-patient, out-patient, and emergency room, seen in the Department of paediatrics at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2006 to December 2018 was conducted. Results: There were 41, 863 malaria cases diagnosed over the 12 years with a decline in yearly diagnosis and admissions, from the year 2006 through 2018. Total malaria admissions were 578, (44.5/ year), giving a severe malaria incidence of 1.26%, and there were 164 malaria death cases, with a yearly average of 12. The causes of death in the children with malarial parasitaemia were severe anaemia in 75 (45.7%), hypoglycaemia in 14 (8.5%), cerebral malaria in 17 (10.4%), and prostration with other co-morbidities, 22 (13.4%). Thirty-six children (22%) were convulsing and died soon after admission, with a compounding diagnosis of aspiration and respiratory failure. Conclusion: There is a gradual reduction in childhood malaria disease, admission, and death, though this is slower than anticipated based on efforts and strategies put in place by the Nigerian government and various organizations.
