The ultimatum issued by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria to the Federal Government, originally set to expire on January 31, 2024, has now been extended by six weeks.
The decision to prolong the ultimatum was announced in a communique following the National Executive Council meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Sunday. The communique, presented during a press conference, bears the signatures of the association’s President, Prof Mohammad Mohammad, and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim.
The extension was granted to facilitate further consultations with the government, with the association emphasizing that industrial harmony cannot be assured if their demands are not met after the six-week grace period. Despite numerous engagements with relevant government agencies, the association expressed dissatisfaction that several issues, including the shortfall in salaries for Honorary consultants and the failure to implement universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental officers, remain unresolved.
The communique highlighted concerns about the budgetary allocation to the sector, noting that it has consistently been less than 5% of the country’s overall budget. Additionally, the Per Capita spending on health has seen a notable decline. The NEC resolved to extend the ultimatum until March 10, 2024, reiterating their stance on the potential lack of industrial harmony if their demands are not adequately addressed by the government.
The communique also highlighted the escalating costs of health care due to the prevailing inflationary trend, coupled with inadequate health insurance coverage. It urged government levels to enhance budgetary allocations to the health sector, aiming to achieve the Abuja Declaration’s target of at least 15%. Additionally, the government was called upon to implement strategies to boost the nation’s economy, subsequently improving the per capita spending on health for the population.
Addressing the National Health Insurance Agency, the NEC recommended an expansion of enrollment to accommodate the vulnerable population. The government was advised to take proactive measures to address the factors contributing to the rising prevalence of mental health disorders among medical professionals.
The NEC emphasized the need for prioritizing Emergency Response Services nationwide to effectively tackle issues related to morbidity, mortality, and the burden of emergency cases. Expressing condolences for the Ibadan blast victims, the NEC called on the government to strictly enforce rules and regulations concerning the acquisition, transportation, and storage of explosives.
Furthermore, the communique urged heightened awareness and vigilance among Nigerians, especially health workers, regarding Lassa Fever. It called for adherence to necessary precautionary measures and universal precautions, emphasizing the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to prevent the spread of the disease.
