Minister’s call for debate a sign of frustration

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria on Sunday reacted to the challenge thrown by the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, for a five-hour public debate between the Federal Government and striking members of the Nigerian Medical Association, describing it as “a clear demonstration of frustration.”

The President of MDCAN, Dr. Steve Oluwole, in an interview with journalists in Abuja, therefore, advocated for the involvement of external mediators to facilitate the early resolution of the impasse between the government and the NMA.

He said, “This is a novel proposal by the Minister of Health. It is of little use second-guessing while this unusual method of solving industrial dispute was proposed or contemplated. The gallery of the public is unlikely to be sufficiently informed and grounded on the issues to play unbiased umpire between the Minister and the NMA Debater-in-Chief. The theatre of debate may, however, not do either party much good.

“While the frustration of the Ministry of Health in coming to a quick resolution of the problems is not difficult to perceive, it should not come to its wits end because of the decision of the Delegate Meeting of the NMA to continue with the strike.”

Speaking on why the NMA was still on strike even after signing two Memoranda of Understanding with the Federal Government, Oluwole said, “The mindset of the negotiation team of the Government and that of the Delegate Meeting of the NMA regarding MoUs, however, differ widely.

“There is, therefore, a very unfortunate impasse that is unlikely to resolve as long as both sides maintain their positions. Thus, a third MoU that will resolve differences appears a difficult objective to achieve.

“Since the negotiation team have met twice without much progress, bringing in external mediators may be helpful. Such mediators may include respected doctors who will bring their experience in administration and standing in the medical profession to bear on both sides. Without doubt, solution should be found within days not weeks for all sides to preserve their obligations to society.”