The upcoming National Executive Council meeting of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) is set to determine the potential initiation of a nationwide strike. Dr. Victor Makanjuola, President of MDCAN, shared this information during a recent telephone interview with our correspondent.
Following an August 7, 2023 NEC meeting, during which a communique was released, the association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government (FG) to address their demands or risk facing industrial unrest. The ultimatum, initially slated to conclude on August 28, 2023, is now extended to August 31, 2023, in light of the government’s receipt of the ultimatum letter on August 11, 2023.
Dr. Makanjuola clarified that the decision on whether to proceed with a strike will be determined during the Biennial Delegate Meeting scheduled from September 4th to 10th. If no significant developments occur by around August 31, the decision will be deliberated during the NEC meeting.
He emphasized, “Our deadline is August 31. Therefore, our NEC meeting will convene to assess the situation and decide on potential strike action. Had there been no scheduled NEC meeting, we would have called an emergency session to make our decision.”
Key demands of the consultants include a prompt review of the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure circular, with adjustments to both basic salary and allowances, except for hazard pay. They also request the correction of a commencement date error for the CONMESS upward review and highlight the need for the review to account for the impact of fuel subsidy removal and current high inflation.
Moreover, the association calls for the immediate implementation of agreed-upon measures to rectify remuneration shortfalls for Clinical Lecturers (Honorary Consultants). They appeal for universal application of the CONMESS to all medical and dental doctors, particularly those in public universities, and stress the urgency of addressing brain drain in the health sector by raising the age of retirement for Consultants and other health workers.
Dr. Makanjuola underscores that for the avoidance of a strike, the government must fulfill essential conditions, such as implementing the increased retirement age and addressing remuneration shortfalls for Clinical Lecturers, in addition to ensuring the safety of medical professionals.
In summary, the MDCAN’s impending NEC meeting will play a pivotal role in determining whether a nationwide strike will be carried out, as the association seeks resolution on critical issues affecting medical and dental professionals in Nigeria.
