Just in: Resident doctors in Abuja begin warning strike over poor conditions

Just in: Resident doctors in Abuja begin warning strike over poor conditions

 

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has commenced a seven-day warning strike to protest worsening conditions in the healthcare system and demand urgent government intervention.

The decision was announced in a communiqué signed by the ARD-FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, and other members of the association’s executive committee.

The doctors cited systemic failures in the FCT’s health sector, describing it as overstretched and in dire need of comprehensive reform.

Dr. Ebong stated that doctors in the FCT are under immense pressure, often forced to manage multiple departments simultaneously due to chronic staff shortages. He warned that continued neglect could lead to a collapse of the healthcare system in the capital.

Key demands from the association include:

Immediate recruitment of more medical personnel

Functional medical equipment

Improved working conditions

Payment of outstanding salaries and allowances

Resolution of delayed promotions and underpayment of promoted staff

The association stressed the need for policymakers to involve frontline health workers in decision-making processes to ensure effective healthcare reforms.

To underscore the urgency of their demands, ARD-FCT has given the FCT administration a one-week deadline to initiate meaningful reforms, particularly in staffing and welfare.

Failure to meet this deadline could result in an escalation of the industrial action, the body warned.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government remains hopeful of averting a prolonged strike.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, acknowledged the grievances of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and confirmed that discussions are ongoing.

“The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing—we had a meeting on Monday—we are making progress,” Salako said.

He identified the primary issue as the unpaid residency training allowance, noting that approximately 40 percent of the 2025 allocation remained outstanding.

Salako said that the government was working toward a resolution and expressed hope that an agreement would be reached before the strike escalates.