The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) has condemned the threat by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) to proceed on yet another strike if the Federal Government failed to honour the contents of their agreement.

Describing the action of JOHESU as ridiculous and reactionary fresh demands on the government, the MDCAN in a statement by its President, Dr. Steven Oluwole said, “From these demands, JOHESU has again presented itself as a conglomerate of rabble rousers. No ideological viewpoint designed to improve health care delivery or development is represented, but reactionary viewpoints that can only set the health system back.

“Residency training is not designed for popularity contest between medical and non-medicals. The request is an absurdity, when put into context of job description. I expect the response of government to be non-political and professional.”

The JOHESU last week gave the Federal Government two week ultimatums to meet its demands or risk withdrawal of services by its members.

It had among others demanded for a Federal Government circular defining functions and powers of Honorary Consultants, Residency training for other health professionals, Issuance of guidelines on appointment of Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Autonomy for teaching Hospitals and the removal of university lecturers as heads in some clinical departments.

On autonomy for teaching Hospitals and the removal of university lecturers as heads in some clinical departments, the MDCAN boss asked “ this request borders on the ridiculous! JOHESU wants Teaching Hospitals that were established by law to serve the Universities, from which they derive their names, to become autonomous of the Universities?”