The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has extended the ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government to address all pending issues by six more weeks.
MDCN made this known in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
The communique which was read during a press conference was signed by its President, Professor Mohammad Mohammad and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim.
An ultimatum had been given to the Federal Government by the association in 2023 which was to expire on the 31st of January, 2024, aftee which the decision to go on strike would be taken at the Uyo NEC meeting
But the association decided to extend the ultimatum by six more weeks to allow for more consultation with the government
It warned it would no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands were not met after the expiration of the six week grace.
The MDCN expressed dismay that in spite of numerous engagements with relevant government agencies on the demands of the association, not much had been achieved.
It also observed that the issue of shortfall in salaries/income loss by Honorary consultants (Clinical lecturers) occasioned by the failure of the government to implement universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental officers in public service and increase (harmonisation) in retirement age of hospital consultants, among others were yet to be addressed
The MDCN commiserated with the families of the Ibadan blast and the Oyo state government and called on the government to ensure that rules and regulations concerning the acquisition, transportation and storage of explosives are strictly adhered to.
It further advised all Nigerians particularly health workers to have high suspicion of Lassa Fever and observe necessary precautionary measures
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