MDCAN Intensifies Strike Plans As Federal Government Fails To Address Issues

MDCAN Intensifies Strike Plans As Federal Government Fails To Address Issues

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has announced a seven-day warning strike and signaled the possibility of further industrial action if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands. MDCAN President, Prof. Muhammad A. Muhammad, made the announcement...READ MORE…

during a press briefing in Kano on Tuesday, following the commencement of the nationwide strike on Monday.

During the briefing, Prof. Muhammad explained that the decision for the warning strike came after an extraordinary virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on November 11, 2024. He emphasized that the association had exhausted all means of dialogue before resorting to industrial action.

MDCAN’s key demands include improved working conditions, the implementation of welfare package agreements, and resolution of issues affecting the medical and dental sectors. Prof. Muhammad warned that failure to address these concerns would lead to an escalation of the strike.

The association also reiterated its readiness to return to work immediately if the government takes meaningful steps to resolve their grievances. Prof. Muhammad condemned the actions of the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, for proceeding with the appointment of a Vice Chancellor despite a Federal Government directive nullifying such appointments.

Among MDCAN’s demands are the harmonization of the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years to address the shortage of trained professionals in healthcare, as well as the universal implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for clinical lecturers in Nigerian universities. The association also called for the removal of the Chairman of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Governing Council for insubordination.

Further, MDCAN is seeking payment of arrears for the 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance, along with the 25%/35% CONMESS arrears for 2023. The association has given the Federal Government until the end of the warning strike to act on these issues. Prof. Muhammad confirmed that the NEC would meet again on Sunday, November 24, 2024, to assess the situation and determine the next course of action.

“We hope the government will respond positively before the expiration of this strike. If not, we are ready to escalate our actions,” he warned.

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