The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has granted a six-week extension to the ultimatum issued to the Federal Government regarding unresolved issues.
This decision emerged from the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The communique, disclosed during a press conference and signed by President Mohammad Mohammad and Secretary-General Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim, outlined the extension to facilitate further consultations with the government.
The original ultimatum, set to expire on January 31, 2024, prompted the possibility of a strike, but the association opted for additional time for discussions.
MDCAN emphasized that industrial harmony couldn’t be assured if their demands remained unmet after the six-week grace period.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the NEC noted the lack of significant progress despite numerous engagements with relevant government agencies.
Unresolved issues included the shortfall in salaries and income loss for Honorary consultants, the universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental officers, and the harmonization of the retirement age of hospital consultants.