MDCAN Ends Warning Strike, Plans December Review of Government Promises
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called off its seven-day warning strike after reaching an agreement with the federal government. According to MDCAN National President, Professor Muhammad Muhammad, the association’s leadership will reconvene in mid-December to evaluate progress on the government’s commitments to their demands.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Professor Muhammad explained that the strike was suspended following assurances from the government, including a signed agreement outlining timelines for addressing their concerns. He emphasized that while some key issues have been resolved, the association will continue to monitor the implementation closely to ensure all promises are fulfilled.
The warning strike, which began last Monday, was initiated in response to what MDCAN described as the federal government’s lack of significant action on their demands. Although the strike disrupted elective medical services in many hospitals across the country, emergency and critical care services remained operational, mitigating the impact on patients.
Among the major issues highlighted by MDCAN was the leadership crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra State. The association demanded the removal of the university’s Governing Council Chairman, citing insubordination, and raised concerns over the exclusion of medical and dental lecturers in the selection process for the Vice-Chancellor position. In a swift response last week, President Bola Tinubu dissolved the university’s governing council and dismissed both the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernard Odoh, and Registrar, Mrs. Rosemary Nwokike. The president underscored the importance of maintaining order within universities, reiterating that councils must adhere to their statutory responsibilities to avoid disrupting academic activities.
Professor Muhammad confirmed that resolving the UNIZIK matter was a significant achievement, describing it as MDCAN’s “number one demand.” He also noted that the federal government, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, facilitated conciliatory talks involving the Ministries of Health and Education to address the association’s grievances.
However, other demands remain unresolved. These include the harmonization of retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years and the universal application of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental lecturers. MDCAN is also pressing for payment of arrears, including clinical duty allowances for 2023 and 2024, as well as a 25% and 35% CONMESS increment backlog.
MDCAN’s leadership has stated that the association will honor the agreement signed during the conciliation meeting but remains firm in its resolve to ensure full implementation. They have called for an all-inclusive process for appointing university Vice-Chancellors, recommending the recently issued advertisement by Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, as a model for future appointments.
With hospitals across Nigeria grappling with a shortfall of critical manpower for training, research, and healthcare delivery, MDCAN emphasized that its demands aim to address systemic challenges in the health sector. The association reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality healthcare, training future doctors, and conducting groundbreaking research, all of which hinge on addressing these structural issues.
As the December review date approaches, many Nigerians are hopeful that the government and MDCAN will work together to find lasting solutions, ensuring stability in the healthcare system and averting further disruptions.
