The Federal Government has been given six more weeks to address all pending issues raised by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN ) or risks industrial action by the doctors
The association announced this in a communique it issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
The communique signed by its President, Prof Mohammad Mohammad and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim, extended the ultimatum by six weeks to allow for consultation with the FG.
It said it would no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands were not met after the expiration of the six weeks grace, just as it expressed dismay that despite its numerous engagements with relevant government agencies on the demands of the association, much is yet to be achieved.
The MDCAN said the 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.”
According to the NEC, the health budget has remained at less than 5% for the country, saying the Per Capita spending on health has been declining.
The MDCAN 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 the Health 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.”
It called on the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA) to capture the vulnerable population, and advised the government to take steps to mitigate factors responsible for the increase in mental health disorders urged the government to prioritise Emergency 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.
