Nigerian Government Moves To Prevent Doctors’ Strike With Cross-Ministerial Consultations

By Onoja Baba, Abuja

In a bid to forestall a nationwide strike by doctors, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has initiated communications with key ministries in response to the demands of the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).

The association, which issued a 21-day ultimatum on October 21, is demanding policy adjustments and benefits improvements that, if unmet by November 11, could trigger a nationwide walkout.

Central among MDCAN’s grievances is the exclusion of medical and dental lecturers from key academic appointments, such as the recent Vice-Chancellor selection at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in Anambra State.

The association also calls for harmonising the retirement age of medical and dental consultants to 70, a move aimed at retaining experienced doctors amidst escalating migration in the profession.

Furthermore, they demand that the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure be applied to medical lecturers to rectify disparities in salaries, entry levels, and pensions.

In an interview, MDCAN National President Prof. Muhammad Muhammad revealed that discussions had already taken place with several stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, the Minister of Labour, and the National Salaries, Incomes & Wages Commission.

However, representatives from the Ministry of Education were notably absent, sparking frustration within MDCAN. “The Health Minister is writing to multiple ministries to address these matters.

The Ministry of Education is crucial here, especially for resolving the disenfranchisement issues,” Muhammad noted.

Pate is also advocating for broader governmental involvement, including a potential submission of MDCAN’s demands to the Federal Executive Council for expedited approval.

Recognising that certain MDCAN demands fall outside his ministry’s jurisdiction, Pate is escalating issues related to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“We anticipate a resolution that our members will find satisfactory,” stated Prof. Muhammad. “We will review the government’s response in our emergency meeting on Monday. If members are satisfied, we’ll move forward. If not, we’ll consider our next steps,” he said.