DIPLOMAN TIMES

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has engaged the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, over outstanding welfare and employment issues affecting its members.

The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has met with the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, to discuss outstanding welfare and employment-related issues affecting its members. The engagement followed discussions between the association and the state government on matters affecting health-sector personnel.

The commissioner said the government remained committed to strengthening the health system and making healthcare more accessible and affordable. He also acknowledged MDCAN's decision to call off its strike and said the state government would continue working with health-sector unions and other stakeholders on the issues raised.

On salary-related matters, Oshiomhole said arrangements had been made for the relevant proposal to be presented to Governor Monday Okpebholo for consideration and approval for further disbursement to eligible beneficiaries. He also said the issue concerning the retirement age of clerical staff would be forwarded to the office of the Secretary to the State Government through an internal memorandum.

The MDCAN representatives identified several outstanding matters requiring government attention. These included payment of 25 and 35 percent hazard allowances, refunds of pension contributions for workers employed before 2017, outstanding allowances and deductions, and a proposed extension of the retirement age for eligible clerical staff. They also raised concerns about deductions made for housing mortgages and the lack of adequate records relating to some beneficiaries and contributions.

The commissioner explained that any refund of pension contributions would require official documentation and appropriate legal procedures involving the Ministry of Justice and the Edo State House of Assembly. The meeting brought together MDCAN representatives, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Eighemherio Paul Ikhumosa, directors and other health-sector personnel. The engagement leaves the outstanding issues subject to the administrative, executive and legal processes identified during the meeting.