The nationwide strike planned by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has been postponed for a period of three months. This decision follows an appeal by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Services, Muhammad Pate, and was made during MDCAN’s 13th Biennial Delegates meeting held in Kano.
Prof. Aminu Muhammad, the President of MDCAN, stressed that the association’s strike ultimatum has been extended by three months, taking into consideration the appeal from the Health Minister. This extension offers the Federal Government an opportunity to address the outstanding issues raised by the association. However, Muhammad cautioned that if the government fails to meet these demands within the stipulated time, the association will proceed with their next course of action.
Addressing the concerning issue of brain drain in the medical sector, Muhammad pointed out that over 500 highly skilled doctors and consultants have left Nigeria. This poses a substantial challenge to the country’s healthcare system. He urged the federal government to promptly devise a comprehensive solution to address the problem of brain drain, including incentives to retain healthcare professionals within Nigeria.
Moreover, the MDCAN President called for collaboration among critical stakeholders in medical education to develop sustainable strategies for enhancing both the quality and quantity of medical and dental graduates in Nigeria. He further implored governments at all levels to invest in medical education by enhancing infrastructure, ensuring adequate funding, and providing competitive remuneration to staff.
Additional Context: The MDCAN had previously issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, urging the fulfillment of various requests. These included the upward review of CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) and the introduction of an Accoutrement allowance, aligned with the Nigerian Medical Association’s recommendations. The circular issued by the government was criticized for only applying the percentage increase to basic salaries, excluding allowances except hazard allowance, thereby excluding clinical lecturers (Honorary Consultants).
Furthermore, the MDCAN emphasized the government’s failure to fully grasp the ramifications of brain drain in the healthcare sector. This was evident in the rejection of the Federal Ministry of Health’s proposal to raise the retirement age for Medical and Dental Consultants and other health workers. The consultants’ demands encompass an immediate review of the CONMESS circular, rectification of the implementation start date, and consideration of factors like fuel subsidy removal and high inflation in the review process.