The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday commenced a three-day warning strike over unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries, allowances, and other demands.
At a press briefing in Abuja, ARD FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong explained that the strike follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued last year. The association had given the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a 21-day deadline starting on December 23, 2024, to address their concerns. However, no action was taken, prompting the doctors to take industrial action.
Dr. Ebong criticized the neglect of healthcare facilities and the welfare of medical personnel in the nation’s capital. He expressed that Abuja’s doctors had become “abandoned projects” and called on the FCT Minister to intervene to prevent a full-scale, indefinite shutdown of hospitals in the area.
The strike, which will last for three days, is being observed across all government hospitals in Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya, as well as other healthcare facilities in the region.
“After we issued the ultimatum and engaged in several rounds of discussions, the government requested an additional two weeks, but unfortunately, nothing has been done. We are still waiting for the payment of six months’ worth of unpaid arrears for our doctors,” Dr. Ebong said.
He continued, “Doctors have been abandoned, just as road constructions are ongoing, the welfare of doctors should also be a priority for the minister. If no action is taken following this three-day warning strike, we will reassess the situation and potentially proceed with an indefinite strike.”
Dr. Ebong also raised concerns about unmet promises regarding an allowance for medical tools used daily by doctors. Despite management’s assurance that this allowance would be paid, it remains delayed indefinitely.
“These broken promises are eroding our trust in the system,” he said. “Doctors who passed promotion exams 2-5 years ago and assumed new responsibilities are still being paid at their old levels. For instance, consultants are still treated as senior registrars with no recognition or financial benefits. It is deeply demoralizing.”
The ARD FCTA President highlighted ongoing issues with hazard allowances, noting that despite a promised increase for healthcare workers dealing with high-risk situations like COVID-19 and Lassa fever, doctors in the FCT have been left with 13 months of arrears.
“If nothing changes, we will be forced to go on an indefinite strike. We urge the Minister of FCT to resolve these issues to prevent the closure of Abuja’s hospitals,” Dr. Ebong concluded.
