The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), held its Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting on December 11, 2024, at the Clinical Skills Laboratory.
The conference, “Towards Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria: Increasing Access to Affordable Healthcare Services,” featured thought-provoking lectures and discussions from esteemed professionals.
Representing the Chief Medical Director, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr. Josephine Eniola Eziyi, expressed appreciation for MDCAN’s continued support. She highlighted the significance of the conference theme, emphasizing that universal health coverage (UHC) is a fundamental right rather than a distant ambition. She urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to transform this vision into reality.
The Chairman of the event, Prof. Victor Adetiloye, represented by Prof. Olusola Comfort Famurewa, commended the MDCAN executives, led by Dr. Olufemi Ogundipe, for their exemplary leadership. She praised their dedication to advancing members’ welfare and enhancing the association’s visibility and influence at both local and national levels.
Dr. Akin Oyebade, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Osun State, described the conference theme as timely and relevant. He acknowledged the strides made by the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, in strengthening the state’s healthcare system. These efforts include renovating 332 healthcare facilities, providing boreholes, installing solar systems at selected health centres, and enrolling healthcare workers into the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme (OSHIS). He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving access to affordable healthcare for all residents.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr. Abiodun Oyeneyin, Director-General of the Ondo State Contributory Health Commission, emphasized the critical need for promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health services free from financial hardship. He reiterated that UHC is a right for all, regardless of socio-economic status. Dr. Oyeneyin urged all stakeholders, including private sector partners, to collaborate in financing and implementing sustainable healthcare services.
The event also celebrated members who retired during the past year for their outstanding contributions to OAUTHC and the medical profession. Those honoured included Prof. Oyeku Akibu Oyelami, Prof. Kayode Adelusola, Prof. Victor Adetiloye, Prof. Olufemi Kuti, and Dr. Ibrahim Bello.
Dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Adeniyi Fasanu, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Osun State Chapter; Prof. Kolawole Mosaku, representing the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Simon Bamire; Dr. (Col.) Chukwu Obasi; Dr. Tajudeen Sanusi; and several distinguished medical professionals and associates.
