The ongoing seven-day warning strike by the **Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN)** has disrupted healthcare services across Abuja, leaving patients frustrated and worsening the strain on the nation’s healthcare system.
### **Strike’s Impact on Patients**
Patients at major hospitals in Abuja, including the National Hospital and the Federal Medical Centre, have reported delays and outright refusals for admission.
– **Uchenna**, a 56-year-old patient, shared his plight:
> “I was referred here after running tests at a private clinic, but I was told I couldn’t be admitted because the consultants are on strike.”
– Another patient, **Bukola Bamgbose**, noted the prolonged waiting times for medical attention.
> “This strike is affecting patients badly. We have to wait longer to see doctors.”
Hospital authorities have limited their services to emergency cases, with spokesperson Dr. Tayo Haastrup confirming:
> “We are attending to critical and emergency cases. Non-emergency cases cannot be admitted for now.”
At the **Federal Medical Centre**, patient **Wale Debo** urged the government and MDCAN to reach a resolution:
> “Many Nigerians cannot afford private healthcare. The government must address these recurring strikes.”
### **Key Issues Behind the Strike**
MDCAN’s demands include:
1. **Management Issues at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)**:
– Removal of the governing council chairman for alleged insubordination.
– Enforcement of the Ministry of Education’s directives on leadership appointments.
2. **Policy Reforms**:
– Harmonization of medical consultants’ retirement age to 70 years.
– Standardization of Vice-Chancellor recruitment advertisements, using Ahmadu Bello University’s model as a prototype.
3. **Financial Demands**:
– Payment of outstanding 2023 and 2024 Clinical Duty Allowance arrears.
– Settlement of 25%-35% CONMESS arrears for 2023.
### **Stakeholders’ Concerns**
The **President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)**, Dr. Tope Osundare, emphasized that the strike has created significant challenges:
> “Without consultants, admitting new patients is almost impossible. Resident doctors cannot take on their responsibilities, which places an enormous burden on patients and the system.”
### **Government Intervention**
Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, has scheduled a meeting with MDCAN leaders on Wednesday to seek a resolution.
The MDCAN National President, Prof. Muhammad Muhammad, confirmed the planned discussions and highlighted widespread compliance with the strike:
> “Our members across the country have adhered to the strike. We look forward to the meeting with the Senate Committee.”
