The Medical and Dental Specialists Association in Basic Medical Sciences (MeDSABAMS) has suspended its former chairman of the University of Uyo branch, Dr. Ekemini Johnson, indefinitely. The decision was made due to her failure to explore the association’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms before taking the matter to court. According to a communique issued by the association, Dr. Johnson was suspended for violating the organization’s rules by seeking a court injunction to stop the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Uyo, which would have affected members from other branches.
The suspension was announced at the end of MeDSABAMS’ 5th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, themed “Scaling Up Medical Education in Nigeria for the 21st Century Healthcare.” The conference was attended by medical professionals from across the country, and the suspension was endorsed by the National President, Dr. John Anionye, and the National Secretary General, Dr. Tasiu Ibrahim.
The association stated that Dr. Johnson’s actions were in defiance of the National Officers Committee’s directives, which had instructed her to step down due to her being on study leave for three years. The communique noted that Dr. Johnson’s suspension would only be lifted if she withdraws the court case and tenders an unreserved apology to the association.
The conference also discussed other issues, including the need for a review of the curriculum for medical education to reflect current realities. The association called on stakeholders to work towards improving the welfare of medical trainers and providing necessary facilities and equipment to enhance healthcare services. The MeDSABAMS also acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) in advocating for better welfare for doctors.
Furthermore, the association urged the government to ensure the universal applicability of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and its accompanying allowances for medical lecturers up to the age of 70. This, they believe, will help address the brain drain in the medical sector and reduce the disparity in remuneration between preclinical and clinical lecturers. The MeDSABAMS expects the NMA and NAMDA to push for the introduction of new welfare packages and allowances to stem the tide of medical professionals leaving the country or switching to other fields.