The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has called off its 7-day warning strike on Saturday, six days after the action began, following a conciliatory agreement with the federal government.

While the strike has been suspended, MDCAN emphasised its commitment to closely monitor the implementation of the agreement and its timelines to assess future actions.

In an interview on Sunday, MDCAN President, Prof. Aminu Mohammad, explained the reasons for suspending the strike and highlighted the importance of strict adherence to the agreement, stressing that it will influence the association?s next steps.

He said: ?One has already been fully addressed. For instance, the issue at Nnamdi Azikwe University, where an advert sidelined over 200 medical professors, has been resolved, and we appreciate the efforts of Mr. President and the Minister of Education on that.

?Another demand is the government should produce a prototype system that will be inclusive and prevent future incidents.

?The Minister of Health is also tasked with presenting a memo to the Federal Executive Council for increasing the retirement age of Medical Consultants to retain more hands for training doctors and teachers.

?Additionally, we demand adjustments to the salary scale to align with the current scale for doctors, along with efforts to address salary arrears.

?These resolutions will help prevent further disruptions,? he said.

He, however, emphasized that the union would not compromise on the agreed timelines for implementing the agreement.

Saying that the consultants had fulfilled their civic responsibilities while upholding their Hippocratic Oath by urging the government to effect necessary changes, he noted that ample opportunities for dialogue had been provided because the situation endangers not only the present but also the future of healthcare in the country.

?To show you that this association isn?t eager to go on strike, our first ultimatum was in September 2023.

?We gave the government three months to fix things. When we met in November, nothing had changed. We asked the federal government to help in January, and after meeting in January, we agreed on a solution?but up until now, nothing?s been done.

?We gave them more time in April 2024, and then again in August 2024, but still, no progress. So in August, we agreed to give them until November, and if nothing changed, we?d go on strike.

?We didn?t want to strike, though. We gave a 21-day ultimatum. Even when that expired, we decided on a warning strike for seven days, still giving them another week to fix things before starting the warning strike.

?In October, we gave another 21-day ultimatum. Even when we were about to start the warning strike the next day, we gave one more week for things to be corrected, but nothing happened until we went ahead with the warning strike.

?So you can see, we?re not a strike-happy association. When we declare a strike, instead of saying ?indefinitely,? we say, ?just one week,? because we don?t want to cause unnecessary suffering.

?Even during the strike, we kept the emergency window open so anyone with an emergency could still receive care.

?We are a responsible association. But when the government only responds to this kind of action, as I?ve explained, we had no choice but to take this step,? Mohammad said.

Acknowledging President Bola Tinubu?s role in the resolution of the issue, Muhammad appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the timely intervention and commitment in resolving the issues.

?We reiterate our resolve to partner with the Government, especially in the Renewed Hope Health and Education Agenda of Mr. President.

?We equally appreciate all the efforts of all the Ministers and the Permanent Secretaries involved for their various roles in addressing our issues,? he added. (The Nation)

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