Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole
Mudiaga Affe, Calabar
The Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria on Wednesday condemned the alleged harassment and intimidation of its members in some tertiary hospitals by the Joint Health Staff Union who are currently on strike.
In a statement issued in Calabar by its Secretary-General, Dr. Affiong Ibanga, MDCAN said while it was acceptable that workers’ unions could declare industrial action with their employers, such action should be carried out within the bounds of the law and respect for the rights of other workers.
The union condemned in strong terms what it described as the “physical harassment and barricading of hospital gates to prevent free movement of doctors and patients by members of JOHESU.”
It read in part, “The attention of the National Secretariat of MDCAN has been drawn to incidents of harassment and intimidation of medical doctors, patients and other members of the health team by some JOHESU members who are currently on strike.
“While it is generally accepted that a workers’ union can declare an industrial dispute with her employer and even embark on strike, MDCAN believes that such action should be carried out within the bounds of the law and respect for others in the workplace.
“MDCAN categorically states that further physical harassment of her members carrying out their legitimate duties within the hospital premises will not be tolerated.
“MDCAN therefore warns all involved in these retrogressive and condemnable acts to desist from such actions forthwith.”
MDCAN directed all her chapters across the country to take all necessary measures within the law to protect members in the workplace.
The association called on Chief Medical Directors and heads of security agencies to take immediate steps to protect lives and property of patients, medical doctors and other hospital workers.
“CMDs/MDs and heads of relevant security agencies are urged to take immediate steps to protect lives and property of patients, medical doctors and other hospital workers carrying out their duties and to prevent breakdown of law and order in these institutions,” it added.
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