Lagos: Some experts in Lagos have urged medical practitioners to prioritise their health and well-being to function effectively. They made this known at the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference organised by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Ebute-Metta Chapter.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Your Body, Your Responsibility: A Personal Guide to Cancer Risk Reduction for Physicians,’ aimed to draw attention to the necessity of self-care among medical professionals. Dr Kayode Akinlade, Chairman of the programme, emphasised the importance for physicians to undergo regular screenings and tests as part of efforts to monitor their health.
Dr Akinlade stated, “As physicians, your body is your responsibility; you have to take care of your own health as you take care of your patients.” He highlighted the need for regular tests such as endoscopic procedures, Pap smears, PSA checks, breast examinations, and other screenings for preventive measures against cancer and other diseases. He also urged the government to enhance welfare packages for doctors in response to the 19-point demand submitted by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Dr Nwamaka Lasebikan, the guest speaker and immediate past President of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria (ARCON), encouraged doctors to focus on their health. Lasebikan pointed out the reduced number of doctors in the country due to a mass relocation abroad. She noted that less than 40 percent of physicians at the conference had undergone the necessary cancer screenings in the past five years.
Dr Lucky Okpetu, Chairman of MDCAN, FMC Ebute-Metta Chapter, described the conference theme as timely and relevant, urging doctors to maintain good health to provide quality care to patients. He praised the Chairman of the occasion for offering 10 free colonoscopy and 10 free gastroscopy sessions for consultants to encourage participation in health screenings.