Minister of FCT Expresses Concern over Impact of Revised Public Service Rule on Medical Sectors

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has voiced his concerns over the effect of the Revised Public Service Rule on the medical sectors within the FCT. During a meeting with medical unions, Wike acknowledged the issue and promised to take action to address it.

The key feature of the revised rule is the implementation of an eight-year tenure policy for directors of federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). However, Wike mentioned that the recent circular described the eight-year tenure retirement as a matter of concern. He assured the medical unions that the administration would carefully study the matter.

Wike, who was represented at the meeting by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed the need for a backup document that would exempt medical doctors from the circular. He pledged to meet with department heads, stakeholders, and representatives from other sectors to discuss the recall of the letter.

The minister emphasized that the medical doctors working under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) would be treated with compassion to strengthen medical services in all hospitals. The concerns raised by the medical community reflect the importance of maintaining a high standard of healthcare in the FCT.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Dr. Ugwuanyi Charles, appealed to the minister to give careful consideration to the implications of the circular. He expressed concern that the removal of some hospital consultants would place a burden on the remaining staff and potentially lead to burnout within hospitals.

The Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council Association of Nigeria (MD-CAN) FCTA chapter, Dr. Musa Emmanuel, criticized the rule, stating that it had not been followed properly. He argued that the retirement decisions were made by individuals who either lacked knowledge of the rules or deliberately chose to ignore them.

Dr. Rahmon Olayinka Sodiq, the president of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) FCTA, highlighted the significance of the FCT's medical care. He mentioned that people from neighboring states, such as Nasarawa and Kogi, often came to the FCT to access medical services due to their trust in the quality of care provided. However, he expressed concerns regarding which consultants would be present if the retirement policy were implemented, suggesting that this could have a significant impact on the level of care available.

It is evident that the concerns raised by the medical unions reflect the potential implications of the Revised Public Service Rule on the healthcare sector in the FCT. The retirement policy for directors could disrupt the availability and quality of medical services, putting additional strain on hospitals and medical professionals.

Efforts to exempt medical doctors from the rule indicate the government's recognition of the crucial role they play in the FCT's healthcare system. By reevaluating the circular and considering the input of stakeholders, it is hoped that a solution can be found to ensure the continued provision of accessible and affordable healthcare services for residents of the FCT.

Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-04 News

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