I have been following posts and comments mostly from my MD friends on FB and elsewhere on the demands of NMA and the strike embarked upon by the medical doctors especially as regards the consultancy status desired by JOHESU members. I have come to the conclusion that there seems to be a misunderstanding or is it misinformation of what consultancy status for JOHESU members means and how it will affect hospital services in the hospitals. Most MDs think there will be clashes between their consultants and medical officers and other consultants of other professions. They are of the opinion that this will affect patients care and question their authority and ownership of patients. One post claim that if consultancy status is granted, a consultant nurse or pharmacist may decide not to allow his patients to be seen by the MD. Another claim that allied medical professions want to be doctors from the back door without going to medical school and postgraduate medical school. Hmmh, so interesting! Well, I think there is need for NMA to understand that every profession is unique and depends on others for optimum care to our patients. Consultancy status to other health professionals simply mean that the practitioner with that status has acquired special training and is an expert in that sub area of his profession. It doesnt mean he is now an MD for instance and he will not take the place of an MD. Take for instance, a consultant nurse say in Intensive care (ICU) nursing simply will have the final say in intensive care nursing, all his/her colleagues will refer to her for directions when it comes to nursing patients in ICU and this has nothing to do with the work of the consultant MD incharge of ICU. The doctor will do his work, give his directives and the consultant nurse will provide optimum nursing care according to his training. In the eye department, the consultant ophthalmologist will still do all his training allows him to do and will still be the head of the team but a consultant optometrist in low vision practice for instance will provide that care to his patients. I dont see how this will interfer with the work of an MD. Honestly, give it to NMA, they are defending their profession against perceived attacks and they are afraid of the unknown. They still want to enjoy all the privileges and want to be treated as kings. I am of the opinion that we have to educate them and assure them that this request by JOHESU will not in anyway infer with the way they provide care to their patients but will improve the way other professions offer services and care to the patients. It will lead to specialised care and ensure that other health care professional get to the peak of their practice. I wish they will keep an open mind and be ready to be educated or informed.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 08:16:57 +0000
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