The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called for increased government investment in the health sector to improve laboratory and radiology services, including access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) scan facilities.

The association identified inadequate healthcare funding, poor remuneration and insufficient resources as major challenges confronting the country’s health sector.

Speaking at a dinner to unveil the association’s 2026–2028 executive committee in Abuja, the newly elected Chairman of MDCAN, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja chapter, Dr Samaila Timothy, lamented that many Nigerians cannot afford essential diagnostic services because of their high cost.

He described it as unacceptable for a patient to have to pay more than the national minimum wage to undergo an MRI or CT scan.

Timothy said increased government funding would enable public hospitals to provide quality diagnostic services at affordable rates, thereby reducing patients’ dependence on expensive private healthcare facilities. “We must find ways to make these services more affordable,” he said.

The chairman also pledged to improve service delivery across all hospital departments.

“We will ensure our members give their best to Nigerians so that FMC Abuja becomes a one-stop centre for quality healthcare and reduces the need for medical tourism,” he said.

Timothy vowed to pursue reforms that would strengthen the association and improve healthcare delivery, adding that his administration would build on the achievements of previous executives while working with members to address challenges facing consultants, resident doctors and the wider medical profession.

He said the executive committee would work closely with the national leadership of MDCAN to advance members’ welfare and advocate policies to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.

According to him, the branch would also explore ways to support humanitarian healthcare interventions and advocate for government-backed subsidies for diagnostic services to make them more accessible to Nigerians.

Earlier, the immediate past Chairman of MDCAN, FMC Abuja chapter, Dr Abdullahi Nasiru, pledged to support the new leadership in his capacity as an ex officio member of the executive committee.

He thanked members for their support and cooperation throughout his two-year tenure, noting that the achievements recorded during his administration were made possible through their collective commitment and dedication.