Why We Embarked On 3-Day Warning Strike — FCT Resident Doctors
Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday to protest unpaid salaries, allowances, and a host of unresolved grievances. The strike, led by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued in late 2024.
During a press briefing in Abuja, ARD FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the state of healthcare in the FCT, citing neglect of healthcare workers and the deteriorating condition of medical facilities. He lamented that despite numerous engagements with the government and extending their deadline for action, no meaningful solutions have been provided.
Unpaid Salaries and Allowances
The primary grievances of the doctors include the non-payment of six months’ worth of salary arrears and 13 months of unpaid hazard allowances. The hazard allowance, approved in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreaks of diseases like Lassa fever, has not been disbursed, further exacerbating the financial strain on frontline workers.
Career Progression Issues
Dr. Ebong also highlighted concerns over the lack of career progression for doctors in the FCT, pointing out that several professionals who passed promotion exams years ago are still awaiting formal recognition and financial benefits. This delay has forced consultants to continue working at the level of senior registrars, which has led to frustration within the medical community.
“We are risking our lives daily, yet the government fails to honour its promises. This delay erodes trust in the system,” Ebong remarked, stressing that the neglect has reached a critical point.
Impact on Healthcare Services
The strike has affected all government hospitals under the FCTA, including major facilities such as General Hospitals in Wuse, Nyanya, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, and Abaji. The ARD has warned that if their demands are not met, the warning strike will escalate into an indefinite shutdown of hospitals, which would severely disrupt healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital.
Appeal to Minister Nyesom Wike
The doctors have appealed to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to prioritize the welfare of healthcare workers in the same way that infrastructure projects have been prioritized in the Territory. They have called on the minister to take urgent action to avoid the collapse of the healthcare system in the FCT.
“The Minister must act promptly to prevent a total collapse of the healthcare system,” Dr. Ebong stated, urging immediate intervention to resolve the long-standing issues.
Growing Concerns
The strike has intensified calls for the government to address the systemic issues affecting medical professionals in the FCT. The ARD emphasized that resolving these concerns is essential to restoring doctors’ trust in the system and ensuring quality healthcare for the residents of the FCT.
As the warning strike continues, the public is bracing for potential disruptions in medical services, with many fearing that the situation may escalate further if the government fails to meet the doctors’ demands.
