The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has announced the suspension of its ongoing seven-day warning strike following key interventions by the federal government.
The decision to suspend the strike came after an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
MDCAN had declared the strike on November 18 in response to what it described as the federal government’s failure to meet its demands. The association’s members had expressed frustration over pending issues regarding their welfare, which had led them to take action.
In a statement issued after the virtual meeting, MDCAN acknowledged the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who had stepped in to resolve a crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The President’s intervention included the dissolution of the university’s Governing Council and other necessary steps to restore order and respect for the rule of law.
The MDCAN communiqué highlighted the progress made since the President’s intervention, stating, “The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the crisis at Nnamdi Azikiwe University was crucial in restoring peace and normalcy.”
The association also recognized efforts by various ministries, including Health and Social Welfare, Education, Labour and Employment, and other key stakeholders, who had worked to address the concerns raised by MDCAN. This collective effort to resolve the issues was instrumental in the decision to suspend the strike.
“The efforts of the ministries of health, education, and labour, as well as the appeals from the National Assembly and well-meaning Nigerians, have been noted,” said MDCAN President Prof. Mohammad Mohammad.
In their statement, the MDCAN leadership assured that the association would continue to honor agreements made during conciliation meetings with the government, particularly the agreement signed under the leadership of the Minister of Labour and Employment.
“We will continue to monitor the progress made on our pending issues,” Prof. Mohammad added, emphasizing that MDCAN would review the situation once the timelines set out in the signed agreements have passed.
The MDCAN leadership made it clear that the suspension of the strike was not the end of their demands, but rather a temporary pause while they awaited further action on the agreements made. They stressed that the association would keep a close watch on how the federal government adheres to its commitments.
“The NEC will review the progress made on our pending issues at the expiration of the timelines as contained in the signed document with the federal government,” MDCAN’s communiqué stated.
Since the start of the strike on November 18, healthcare services across the country had been impacted as senior doctors in the public health sector withdrew their services. The strike had raised concerns about the availability of medical care, particularly in teaching hospitals and government-owned medical facilities.
The suspension of the strike has brought temporary relief to patients and the healthcare sector, but MDCAN’s commitment to improving the nation’s healthcare system remains unwavering. The association has reiterated its dedication to delivering quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
“We are committed to delivering quality healthcare services and will continue to foster a productive partnership with the government in addressing the country’s healthcare challenges,” MDCAN stated.
The suspension of the strike also highlights the importance of dialogue between the government and professional associations in addressing the issues affecting various sectors. In this case, the federal government’s intervention appears to have calmed tensions and brought both parties back to the negotiating table.
However, MDCAN’s warning that it will continue to monitor the situation suggests that the association remains cautious and will not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to meet its commitments.
“We will not hesitate to take further action if the government does not follow through on the agreements made,” the association’s leaders warned.
The resolution of this strike is a significant moment for the Nigerian healthcare system, which has faced numerous challenges over the years, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and underpaid healthcare workers. While MDCAN’s members have temporarily suspended their protest, the issues at the heart of the strike—improving healthcare funding and addressing the welfare of medical professionals—remain unresolved.
