The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), South-West Zone, has declared an indefinite withdrawal of services by clinical lecturers in universities across the zone.
In a statement released on Monday jointly signed by its Chairman, AbdulKareem Salawu, and Secretary, Omotola Obajolowo, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, MDCAN cited the non-payment of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
The association said the decision was reached after the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum on February 2.
Persecondnews recalls that MDCAN given the ultimatum on January 15, 2025, to universities in the zone, demanding payment of CONMESS to clinical lecturers and threatening a strike if the demand is not met.
The statement said: “The association agreed on the industrial action, having reviewed 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 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 appealed to the relevant authorities to direct the Vice-Chancellors of these universities to address the issue promptly to prevent a prolonged disruption in medical education and healthcare delivery.
It emphasized the need for fairness and equity in the remuneration of clinical lecturers across the country.
CONMESS was introduced by the Federal Government in 2014 to provide a standardized salary structure for medical doctors in Nigeria.
However, the proces was slow, and many doctors felt that the government was not meeting its obligations.
From 2014 to date, disputes over CONMESS implementation have continued, with doctors accusing the government of reneging on its promises, leading to recurring strikes and disruptions in healthcare services.
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