MDCAN members embark on indefinite strike at UCTH

The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, has embarked on an indefinite strike to press home her demands.
The association embarked on the indefinite strike after an emergency general meeting held on Monday at the UCTH in Calabar.
A communique signed by the association’s Chairman, Prof. Usang Usang, and its Secretary, Dr Henry Okpa, MDCAN said that the management of UCTH had failed to meet her demands.
The association is demanding for December 2018 check-off dues deductions, December 2018 MDCAN Cooperative Society deductions and salary arrears skipping for 2014-2016.
According to the communique, the management of UCTH failed to respond to the demands of the association after an ultimatum was issued on Feb. 20.
The association stated that in spite of the extension of the ultimatum from Feb. 20 to March 29 and a further extension to April 5, the management of UCTH failed to deliver on her promises to effect payment.
“MDCAN members had reached the hospital, but due to delay on the part of the management, these funds were either mopped up or channelled to other purposes thereby subjecting MDCAN and her members to undue hardship.
“The indefinite strike action will continue until UCTH management responds to all our demands.
“During the strike period, members will not carry out the following services: ward rounds, call duties, outpatient clinics, accident and emergency care, surgical operations, labour ward, among others.
“UCTH Board Management and the entire public should hold the Chief Medical Director responsible for the breach of trust and disruption in the provision of health services by our members,” the association stated.
MDCAN however said that scheduled lectures for Dental and Medical students would be delivered during the strike.
Reacting, the Chief Medical Director of UCTH, Prof. Thomas Agan, told NAN that the money has been approved for release with a view to paying the arrears.
“The money has been approved by the Federal Ministry of Finance for the payment of the arrears.
“The doctors will be paid this week, needless of them embarking on the strike,’’ Agan said.