Table of Contents
- Suspension of Dr. Ekemini Johnson
- Communique Details
- Conference Issues and Recommendations
- Advocacy for Doctor Welfare
The Medical and Dental Specialists Association in Basic Medical Sciences, MeDSABAMS, has indefinitely suspended its former chairman from the University of Uyo branch in Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Ekemini Johnson, for taking the association to court without first utilizing the internal dispute resolution mechanisms available within the association.
This information was shared in a communiqué signed by the National President of MeDSABAMS, Dr. John Anionye, and the National Secretary General, Dr. Tasiu Ibrahim, and was issued to journalists on Saturday following the conclusion of the association’s 5th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Uyo, themed “Scaling Up Medical Education in Nigeria for 21st Century Healthcare.”
The conference expressed disappointment that the suspended chairman, instead of complying with the directives of the National Officers Committee to step down due to her study leave and staff development from 2024 to 2027, opted to take legal action against the association and the NMA Chairman of Akwa Ibom State. She sought a court injunction to prevent the AGM in Uyo, which could have negatively impacted innocent members from other branches of MeDSABAMS across the country.
The House stated that the suspension would remain in effect until she withdraws her case from court and provides an unreserved apology to the association.
The communiqué stated, “The House resolved to suspend indefinitely the former chairman of the UNIUYO Branch of the association, Dr. (Mrs.) Ekemini Johnson, for taking the association to court without first utilizing the internal mechanisms available to her to resolve any disputes with her branch members and the decision of the NOC of the association that she step aside, following verification of her 3-year study leave. She will remain suspended until she withdraws the case from court and offers an unreserved apology to the association.”
Addressing other important matters, the Conference urged stakeholders to review the medical education curriculum at all levels to align with contemporary realities.
It also tasked the NOC of MeDSABAMS to employ all necessary measures to convey to the government the importance of enhancing the welfare of medical trainers and providing essential facilities, laboratories, and a conducive environment that would improve health indices. This would “deepen impact and create systems where every Nigerian child, regardless of geography or background, can access compassionate, competent, and modern medical training and healthcare.”
The House acknowledged the efforts made by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) in advocating for improved welfare for doctors in the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the federal government.
It urged the government to enhance its efforts by ensuring the “Universal Applicability” of CONMESS and its accompanying allowances, applicable up to the age of 70 years for Medical Lecturers.
“This can be fully applied to medical professionals with MBBS/BDS and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees, as well as Clinical Lecturers with fellowship qualifications in Nigerian Universities. We believe this will put an end to the constant pressures faced by medical professionals in Nigerian Universities from University Managements and their Bursary Departments.
“MeDSABAMS also expects the NMA and NAMDA to advocate for the introduction of new welfare packages and allowances, as already proposed by MeDSABAMS and included in the current CBA documents, to address the external brain drain (Japa syndrome) and the internal brain drain (migration to clinical sciences from preclinical sciences) affecting Basic Medical and Basic Clinical Sciences due to the inadequate remuneration of preclinical lecturers and the significant disparity between them and doctors working in clinical sciences,” the communiqué concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dr. Ekemini Johnson suspended?
Dr. Ekemini Johnson was suspended for taking the association to court without first utilizing the internal mechanisms for dispute resolution available within MeDSABAMS.
What must Dr. Johnson do to lift her suspension?
To lift her suspension, Dr. Johnson must withdraw her case from court and provide an unreserved apology to the association.
What recommendations were made during the conference?
The conference recommended a review of the medical education curriculum to reflect current realities and emphasized the need for improved welfare for medical trainers.
