UCH Consultants Warn of Healthcare Crisis Amid Salary Delays

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Branch, expressed serious concerns regarding worsening manpower shortages, prolonged salary delays, and inadequate medical equipment in federal hospitals. During a press briefing on the eve of their 2026 Annual General Meeting, Chairman Dr. Oluseyi Akande highlighted that the ongoing migration of skilled health workers has left many hospital departments without resident doctors, forcing consultants to take on additional responsibilities.

He noted that the manpower crisis has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, with doctors continuing to seek opportunities abroad. Akande criticized the Federal Government’s decision to increase medical student admission quotas without enhancing infrastructure and teaching capacity, warning that this could compromise medical education quality.

He also condemned the prolonged salary delays under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), stating that some health workers have gone six to eight months without pay. Akande described IPPIS as excessively centralized, causing significant administrative issues.