The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw a controversial circular it claims discriminates against healthcare workers by denying them their lawful leave of absence.

In a communique issued after its National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, MDCAN expressed displeasure over the government?s new policy, which it described as a violation of civil service rules.

The communique, signed by MDCAN President, Prof. Aminu Mohammad, and Secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim, emphasized that the circular contradicts established civil service regulations.

The policy allegedly forces doctors and other healthcare professionals to resign from their positions instead of granting them leave of absence, as prescribed by law.

The association called the move discriminatory and urged the government to reverse the decision.

?The National Executive Council of MDCAN further urges Nigerian universities to halt the discriminatory advertisements against holders of Medical and Dental Fellowship of the NPMCN, WACS, and WACP who aspire to the positions of Vice-Chancellor. This discrimination was recently observed at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, University of Abuja, and Delta State University,? the communique stated.

The association also raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in the country, noting that doctors and healthcare workers are often targeted, even within hospital premises.

Additionally, the MDCAN advised the Federal Ministry of Education and the Nigerian Universities Commission to develop a standardized and inclusive framework for selecting Vice-Chancellors, ensuring equal opportunity for qualified candidates across all disciplines.

The MDCAN has called on relevant authorities to address these pressing issues to ensure fairness and the safety of healthcare professionals across the country. (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)