Says No going back on strike
Maduako Igbokwe l Monday, December 30, 2019
ONITSHA, Anambra, Nigeria – Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), Chukwu Odumegwu Ojuckwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), chapter Awka, Anambra state has rejected the Hospital Board’s Condition of Service (CoS), accusing it of having a hidden agenda.
MDCAN also demanded that the Chief Medical Director CMD of the hospital be called to order by the government, especially at this critical period of institution. Despite being paid November salary on 23rd December 2019, the MDCAN alleged that the CMD refused to pay them, the aggreed salary negotiated with the government and the management, vowing not to suspend strike action.
The COOUTH board had on 23rd December released its recommendations and condition of service(CoS) for the striking MDCAN to suspend action.
A letter containing CoS signed by the Board chairman, Dr. Clement Idigo obtained by our reporter in Awka, showed that government has approved a new condition of service, promotion of staff with effect from 1, November 2019.
According to the board, the CONMES template submitted by MDCAN was accepted by government but would be implemented in stages at post commissioning of hospital diagnostic CT scan, digital X-ray, mommography and opening of private wards in the hospital.
It also directed the management of the hospital to implement the 70 percent condition of service, proper placement and promotions of all cadre of staff from November 1, 2019. According to the board, government has approved substantial subvention to hospital to ensure that the enhanced salary rate was paid to all staff.
The board also directed the management of the hospital to expeditiously complete the digital X-ray machine, mommography and the CT scan and private wards to enhance Internally Generated Revenue of hospital as directed by the government.
The board also urged the striking MDCAN to suspend the strike and resume work in appreciation of government’s gesture. The board also expressed unhappiness over the continued strike action by MDCAN since 1st November 2019.
Reacting to the board’s condition of service, MDCAN accused the board and management of having some hidden agenda in their recommendations.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Dr. Chukwudi Okani, MDCAN said issue of 70% Revised CONMESS template was agreed with the board and the CMD, graciously and that the recommendations accepted was not in contention
He however expressed shock by the Board wanting to start paying them less than 70% of aggreed template and at a non-specific date, revert to pay 70% CONMESS when the IGR has improved.
“The commencement of clinical operations in the private ward which is still under construction for a about four years and at the moment in the “cement and block”stage, commencement of the full operation after installation of a yet-to-be-seen CT scan, commencement of the operation of the digital x-ray and mammogram after they are installed. Then, 6 months after all these, the salaries would have another substantial increment. This is not acceptable” he said
He said the board and CMD are not placing any importance on the personnel that would operate those machines. MDCAN chairman said that COOUTH has only one consultant Radiologist on the fulltime employment list and wonder how the person will cope.
According to him, the board failed to understand that one individual cannot handle Ultrasound, CT Scan, X-ray, Mammogram,training of students, training of Resident Doctors, training of Interns and coping with the administrative work as the Head of Department
He stated that MDCAN members have made a lot of sacrifices to accept 70% of the template instead of 100% and shall not make further sacrifices. Okani said that they were not going to accept any manipulations from anybody to shortchange them again in the hospital because they endured for 12 years.
“How come the CMD and the Board who had all along been silent on salary review, suddenly became so powerful that they could now jettison the decisions taken by a committee set up by no other person than His Excellency, the Executive governor of Anambra State?
How come the CMD with the board suddenly become so caring to the extent of setting up a milestone for the attainment of a decision reached by the Governor’s committee?
We also feel there are so many hidden facts surrounding this Conditions of Service (CoS) document. It is expedient we see this CoS together with the agreed 70% Revised CONMESS before we can even contemplate suspending this strike” he said.
