The apex association for doctors and dentists in Nigeria, the Nigerian Medical Association has called for psychiatric evaluation of governorship and presidential candidates ahead of the 2023 elections.
The body also said medical tests of the candidates would provide a comprehensive view of the state of the body system of those aspiring to hold political offices and lead the country.
In the past, there have been calls for medical screening of candidates to determine their state of health with many Nigerians arguing over the constitutionality of such a move.
Recall the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), in April stoked the controversy when he asked political parties to include drug integrity tests as part of the screening processes for their candidates.
Speaking to reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Dr Uche Ojinmah, the NMA President, listed the series of tests that candidates should undergo to ascertain their state of health and fitness for office.
He said, “Simple medical check-ups such as chest X-ray, cardiac echocardiography, abdominal ultrasound scan, urinalysis, kidney function test, liver function test, blood pressure and blood glucose assessment will give one a comprehensive view of the state of the body system.
“Sadly, people applying for top level jobs like Chief Medical Director or Medical Director in our public service are made to undergo these tests while those contesting for executive and legislative posts don’t.’’
The statement has been corroborated by various people in the health and political of the country but remains to be seen if it will see the light of the day.