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Medical, dental consultants issue fresh six-week strike notice
Medical, dental consultants issue fresh six-week strike notice
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.
MDCAN 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, Prof Mohammad Mohammad and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim.
Recall that there was an ultimatum handed to the Federal Government by the association in 2023 which was to expire on January 31, 2024, and the decision to go on strike was to be taken at the Uyo NEC meeting.
However, the association decided to extend the ultimatum by six more weeks to allow for consultation with the government.
The association said it would no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands were not met after the expiration of the six weeks grace.
The NEC expressed dismay that despite its numerous engagements with relevant government agencies on the demands of the association, much is yet to be 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 are yet to be addressed fully.
The communique read in part, “NEC resolved to extend the ultimatum earlier given to the government by six weeks (up to 10/03/2024), to address all pending issues between government and the association. MDCAN cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the expiration of the above ultimatum if its demands are not met.”
NEC also observed that budgetary allocation to the sector has remained at less than 5% of the budget of the country adding that Per Capital spending on health has also shown a marked decline
It also observed that health Care delivery has become more expensive as a result of the inflationary trend and health insurance coverage is very poor.
The communique added, “Government at all levels should endeavour to improve on its budgetary allocation to Heath sector towards attaining the Abuja Declaration of at least 15%.
“Consequently, the government should put strategies in place to improve the economy of the nation to improve the Per capita spending on health of the population.”
While calling on the National Health Insurance Agency to improve its enrollment to accommodate the vulnerable population, NEC advised the government to take steps to mitigate factors responsible for the increase in mental health disorders among medical professionals.
It further advised the government to prioritise Emergency Response Response Services across the country to address issues of morbidity, mortality and the burden of emergency cases.
NEC 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.
“MDCAN commiserates with the families of the victims of the Ibadan blast and the Oyo government, the government should ensure rules and regulations concerning the acquisition, transportation, storage and the use of explosives are strictly adhered to and also encourage Nigerians to be more vigilant in their areas of residence to ensure the safety of life and property.
“NEC advises all Nigerians, especially health care workers to have a high index of suspicion of Lassa Fever, and observe Universal Precaution, and the use of PPE”, the communique further stated.
Medical, dental consultants issue fresh six-week strike notice
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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