Nigeria’s Medical and Dental Consultants Issue 21-Day Strike Notice Over Unaddressed Demands
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to address its long-standing demands, threatening to embark on a nationwide strike if its concerns are not met. The announcement was made after an extraordinary virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was attended by the association’s president, Prof. Aminu Mohammad, and secretary, Prof. Daiyabu Ibrahim.
At the center of the dispute are several key issues, including the recognition of medical and dental fellowships as equivalent to PhDs for academic and professional purposes. The association argues that it is unacceptable for universities in Nigeria to require a PhD for the position of Vice Chancellor while disregarding the medical and dental fellowships that its members have obtained.
Another pressing concern is the government’s failure to harmonize the retirement age of medical consultants to 70 years, despite their increasing academic and professional responsibilities. Medical and dental specialists are responsible for training undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as providing specialist medical services in tertiary health institutions across the country.
The MDCAN is also pushing for the harmonization of the payment of emoluments for clinical medical lecturers with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to correct significant shortfalls in their emoluments, entry levels, and pensions.
In a statement, the NEC emphasized that any further discrimination against medical and dental lecturers will not be tolerated and directed its members to take lawful steps to restore their rights. The association has also commended its members for taking steps to address discriminatory advertisements that aim to disenfranchise medical lecturers from contributing to university administration and management.
With the 21-day ultimatum set to expire soon, the MDCAN is urging the government to take immediate action to address its concerns and prevent a nationwide strike that could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s healthcare system.
