The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has extended the ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government to address all pending issues by six more weeks.
MDCAN made this known in a communique issued at the end of
its National Executive Council meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
The communique which was read during a press conference was
signed by its President, Prof Mohammad
Mohammad and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim.
Recall that there was an ultimatum handed to the Federal
Government by the association in 2023 which was to expire on January 31, 2024,
and the decision to go on strike was to be taken at the Uyo NEC meeting.
However, the association decided to extend the ultimatum by
six more weeks to allow for consultation with the government.
The association said it would no longer guarantee industrial
harmony if its demands were not met after the expiration of the six weeks
grace.
The NEC expressed dismay that despite its numerous
engagements with relevant government agencies on the demands of the
association, much is yet to be achieved.
It also observed that the issue of shortfall in
salaries/income loss by Honorary consultants (Clinical lecturers) occasioned by
the failure of the government to implement universal applicability of CONMESS
to all medical and dental officers in public service and increase
(harmonisation) in retirement age of hospital consultants, among others are yet
to be addressed fully.
The communique read in part, “NEC resolved to extend the
ultimatum earlier given to the government by six weeks (up to 10/03/2024), to
address all pending issues between government and the association. MDCAN cannot
guarantee industrial harmony after the expiration of the above ultimatum if its
demands are not met.”
NEC also observed that budgetary allocation to the sector
has remained at less than 5% of the budget of the country adding that Per
Capital spending on health has also shown a marked decline.
It also observed that health Care delivery has become more
expensive as a result of the inflationary trend and health insurance coverage
is very poor.
The communique added, “Government at all levels should
endeavour to improve on its budgetary allocation to Heath sector towards
attaining the Abuja Declaration of at least 15%.
“Consequently, the government should put strategies in place
to improve the economy of the nation to improve the Per capita spending on
health of the population.”
While calling on the National Health Insurance Agency to
improve its enrollment to accommodate the vulnerable population, NEC advised
the government to take steps to mitigate factors responsible for the increase
in mental health disorders among medical professionals.
It further advised the government to prioritise Emergency
Response Response Services across the country to address issues of morbidity,
mortality and the burden of emergency cases.
NEC commiserated with
the families of the Ibadan blast and the Oyo state government and called on the
government to ensure that rules and regulations concerning the acquisition,
transportation and storage of explosives are strictly adhered to.
It further advised all Nigerians particularly health workers
to have high suspicion of Lassa Fever
and observe necessary precautionary measures.
“MDCAN commiserates with the families of the victims of the
Ibadan blast and the Oyo government, the government should ensure rules and
regulations concerning the acquisition, transportation, storage and the use of
explosives are strictly adhered to and also encourage Nigerians to be more
vigilant in their areas of residence to ensure the safety of life and property.
“NEC advises all Nigerians, especially health care workers
to have a high index of suspicion of Lassa Fever, and observe Universal
Precaution, and the use of PPE”, the communique further stated.