Nigeria’s Medical and Dental Council Revises Annual Practicing License Fees for Healthcare Workers
The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) has announced a new structure for annual practicing license fees for registered medical and dental professionals. The decision follows resolutions made at the Nigerian Medical Association’s (NMA) 64th Annual General Meeting held in May 2024.
New Fee Structure
- N40,000: For healthcare practitioners with 10 or more years of experience.
- N20,000: For those with less than 10 years of experience.
These revised fees are in line with Section 14 of the MDCN Act, which governs the regulation of healthcare practitioners in Nigeria.
What the MDCN Act Says
The MDCN Act outlines important guidelines regarding the payment of license fees:
- Section 14(3): The Council can adjust practicing fees with the approval of the Minister.
- Section 14(5): It is illegal to practice without paying the prescribed fee.
Penalties for Non-Payment
Healthcare practitioners who fail to pay the revised fees will face significant penalties:
- First Offense: A fine of twice the unpaid fee.
- Subsequent Offenses: A fine of at least ten times the unpaid fee.
Employers who allow unlicensed practitioners to work without payment of the required fee could also be penalized, unless they can prove they were unaware or not involved in the situation.
Why Compliance Matters
Healthcare practitioners are urged to ensure they pay the new fees on time to avoid these penalties. Keeping your license updated is essential for maintaining the right to practice and ensuring the quality of healthcare services in Nigeria.
For any questions or inquiries regarding practicing licenses, practitioners can contact the MDCN at [email protected].
The MDCN appreciates the cooperation of all healthcare professionals in adhering to these new regulations.
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