The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria has shown that nine out of every 10 medical and dental consultants with less than five years of experience plan to leave the country for greener pastures.
The MDCAN said the survey carried out in March 2022 by its Medical Education Committee also found that over 500 medical and dental consultants had left Nigeria for developed countries over the preceding two years.
The association made this known in a statement signed by its President, Dr Victor Makanjuola, and made available to The PUNCH on Wednesday.
The statement read in part, “Disturbed by the impact of this ugly trend on our country’s health sector growth and development, the MDCAN has conducted a survey among its chapters in March 2022 and found that over 500 medical and dental consultants had left Nigeria for more developed countries over the preceding two years.
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“A further exploration of data by the association’s Medical Education Committee showed that nine out of every 10 medical and dental consultants with less than five years experience on the job had plans to leave the country.
“Furthermore, the Nigerian Medical Association recently reported that only 24,000 doctors are currently registered to practise in Nigeria, giving a ratio of one doctor to over 8,000 Nigerians, against the World Health Organisation’s recommended ratio of one doctor to every 600 people.
“It is important to note that the average medical and dental consultant is not only a clinician but also doubles as a teacher for medical students and doctors in specialist (residency) training. It, therefore, goes without saying that the loss of this category of highly skilled workforce to other countries will not only have an immediate negative impact on clinical service delivery but will leave a long-term devastating impact on the training of future doctors in Nigeria.”
According to the association, the country produces approximately 12,000 doctors per year to meet the required number of doctors in the country.
“Anecdotal projections indicate that the 3,000 fresh medical and dental doctors, on average, produced by our local medical schools in Nigeria and another 1,000 produced by foreign medical schools, fall far short of the number of such healthcare personnel required to meet the country’s yearly medical manpower supply needs, estimated to fall between 10,000 and 12,000 (about three times the current rate),” it added.
Nido infant milk neither registered nor sold in Nigeria – NAFDAC
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, on Sunday declared that the Nido infant milk formula, alleged to contain sugar or honey, was not registered and sold in Nigeria.
The director-general of NAFDAC, Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Mr Adeyeye said the attention of NAFDAC’s Management was drawn to an online publication alleging that one of the worlds largest consumer goods company added sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries, contrary to international guidelines aimed at preventing obesity and chronic diseases.
It stated that the online publication of April 17, 2024 was being circulated widely to the general public.
Mr Adeyeye said the report further stated that samples of baby food products sold in Asia, Africa and Latin America were tested and results revealed that sugar and honey were added in form of sucrose in samples of Nido and Cerelac.
“The Management of NAFDAC wishes to use this medium to reassure the public that the Agency exercises due regulatory diligence in the registration of infant and young children foods distributed and used in Nigeria.
“This is in line with relevant Codex Alimentarius international food standards (Codex) and more specifically, Nigerian Industrial Standards (NIS).
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“This is applicable to all categories of infant and young children foods distributed by manufacturers, importers, and marketers of infant and young children foods operating within Nigeria.
“Regarding the mention of Nido follow-up milk formula in the publication, NAFDAC wishes to state that the product is not registered in Nigeria, is not known to the Agency and is not in circulation in Nigeria,” she stated.
According to Ms Adeyeye, the range of Nestle Cerelac infant cereals distributed in Nigeria are duly registered with NAFDAC in line with the Nigerian Industrial Standard for Foods for Infants and Young Children.
“Processed Cereal Based foods (NIS 256:2010) and the Codex Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (CXS 74-1981 was adopted in 1981, revised in 2006, amended in 2017, 2019, and 2023), as well as the applicable NAFDAC regulations for compliance with safety, quality, and labelling requirements.
“Adequate, optimal nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure the growth, health, and development of children to their full potential.
“The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) implements the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, developing international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice with the mandate to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair international food trade.
“Nigeria (NAFDAC) is an active participant at these international food standards setting arena to contribute Nigerians positions during food standards development,” it said.
According to the statement, the Agency, on March 22 held a stakeholders engagement with members of the Association of Infant Food Manufacturers and Marketers in Nigeria, AIFMN, anchored by the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, FSAN, Directorate, to further drive home the importance and special place of infant and young child nutrition.
Adeyeye reassured the public that the Agency was fully alive to her responsibilities of assuring the safety, wholesomeness and quality of infant and young children foods offered for sale in Nigeria in compliance with the relevant standards and regulations.
NAN
5 reasons men need to eat pineapple before sexual intercourse
Sex ought to be an enjoyable activity, but many factors can get in the way of such enjoyment. Factors like low libido, lack of stamina, and erections can prevent such enjoyment. That’s why pineapples are so important. Many people believe it only benefits women, but it has many sexual benefits for men.
Pineapples are rich in manganese, an antioxidant that fights free radicals and prevents cellular damage. A manganese deficiency can lead to diseases like heart disease and diabetes, which are linked to erectile dysfunction. However, adequate manganese intake can increase blood flow and prevent infertility.
Pineapples are rich in bromelain, which increases testosterone production and provides many sexual benefits in bed. This hormone regulates libido and encourages nitric oxide oxidation which makes men more sexually active.
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Pineapples are also rich in vitamin C and thiamine which can increase low libido in men. Thiamine stimulates the development of sex hormones, and this is especially important when men can’t have an erection during sex.
Pineapple can help increase sexual stamina, especially for those who find themselves exhausted from sex. Sex requires endurance and stamina, with studies showing men can burn up to 101 calories in 30 minutes of sex. To enjoy bedroom fun without exercising, consider indulging in pineapples, which are rich in vitamins B1 and C, which can help increase sexual stamina.
Pineapple consumption before sex can enhance the taste of ejaculate by making it sweeter. This is due to the high levels of acid and sugar in pineapple, which make semen less bitter and more sweet. The primary benefit for partners is the added sweetness, in case they want to taste it.
Raw pineapple, rich in vitamin C, is an antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and prevents inflammation. Studies on rats have linked reduced inflammation to improved blood flow, which is important for sexual health.
This is because healthy blood flow is essential for achieving sexual arousal and erectile function for penetrative sex. This increased blood flow and higher blood pressure within the penis make the penis firm and erect.
Finally, a cup of pineapple or one pineapple finely chopped is enough; do not eat more than that, as it will have the opposite effect.
NAFDAC alerts to counterfeit Tandak injection in Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians about the sale of counterfeit TANDAK injection 1.5g powder and water for injection, manufactured by Intracin Pharmaceuticals PVT. LTD C-1, B-53, G.I.D.C Estate, Nadiad- 387001, Gujarat, India.
A statement released by the agency on Wednesday, April 10, says the counterfeit product was discovered in Gombe State, Nigeria, and reported to the Agency by Marcson Healthcare Ltd. – the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH).
‘’Tandak® injection of 1.5g powder is a co-formulation of Ceftriaxone 1000mg and Sulbactam 500mg. It is prescribed for use in the treatment of various types of bacterial infections. It fights against micro organisms by preventing their growth, and further spread of the infection. Ceftriaxone+Sulbactam 1000mg/500mg Injection should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional. the statement read
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The illegal marketing of counterfeit medicines poses a risk to the health of people, since by not complying with the regulatory provisions, the safety, quality, and efficacy of the products are not guaranteed.
NAFDAC has directed all its Zonal Directors and State Coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the counterfeit products within the Zones and States.
Healthcare professionals and consumers are advised to report any suspicion of the sale of substandard and falsified medicines or medical devices to the nearest NAFDAC office, call 0800-162-3322 or send an email to sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng.
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