Following a previous 21-day warning strike, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has issued a fresh seven-day ultimatum for the government to meet their demands.
MDCAN, an association representing professionals with the highest qualifications in the fields of medicine and dentistry, announced that the strike will commence on November 18 and end on November 24 if their requests are not addressed.
In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Monday, the association stated its intent to withdraw its members from all Nigerian universities and hospitals, citing the government’s failure to address their demands.
The previous 21-day ultimatum was carried out from October 21 to November 11.
The association is responsible for training medical doctors, providing specialist healthcare services, and conducting research across various medical fields.
MDCAN members work in both government and non-governmental hospitals, as well as tertiary and secondary health facilities nationwide.
The National President, Dr. Mohammad Mohammad, emphasized the exclusion of medical and dental lecturers from the selection process for the Vice-Chancellor position at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State.
He argued that their qualifications have been unfairly sidelined, criticizing the criteria for the appointment.
Among MDCAN’s demands is an increase in the retirement age for medical and dental consultants to 70 years, aimed at supporting effective healthcare delivery and mitigating the impact of doctor migration.
Additionally, they called on the government to align lecturers’ pay with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) to prevent salary disparities.
The communiqué also called for the immediate removal of the Chairman of the Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University from his position, citing insubordination.
About MDCAN
MDCAN is tasked with training medical doctors, providing specialized healthcare services, and conducting research across various medical fields.
Members of this association work in government and non-government hospitals, as well as in tertiary and secondary health facilities across Nigeria.
