Southwest MDCAN begins indefinite strike over CONMESS

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) in the Southwest Zone has declared an indefinite withdrawal of services by clinical lecturers in the universities across the region over non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, AbdulKareem Salawu, and Secretary, Omotola Obajolowo, respectively, on Monday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, MDCAN said the decision was reached following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum on February 2.

The MDCAN leaders said the association agreed on the industrial action after reviewing the expiration of an earlier ultimatum issued on January 13, adding that the ultimatum demanded the payment of CONMESS to clinical lecturers in the region, and failure to comply would lead to industrial action.

They said, “The association agreed on the industrial action after reviewing the expiration of an earlier ultimatum issued on January 13.

“The ultimatum demanded the payment of CONMESS to clinical lecturers in the region, and failure to comply would lead to industrial action.

“Despite the ultimatum, no progress had been made, and the disparity in payment between clinical lecturers in the region remained unaddressed compared to what was obtainable in other geopolitical zones.

“We resolved to commence an indefinite withdrawal of services effective February 3 until the full implementation of the CONMESS salary structure for clinical lecturers in the region.”
The association urged relevant authorities to urgently call on the Vice-Chancellors of these universities to address the issue to prevent a prolonged disruption in medical education and healthcare delivery.

The association emphasized the need for fairness and equity in the remuneration of clinical lecturers nationwide.