Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday in protest against unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved demands.
The strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the employ of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued last year.
The association had previously given a 21-day ultimatum to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on December 23, 2024, urging the government to address their grievances.
The decision of the doctors to embark on the warning strike was reached during a Congress meeting held by the association on Tuesday.
The strike affects all government hospitals in Abuja, including those in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya.
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Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the ARD FCTA President, George Ebong, expressed dismay over the deteriorating state of hospitals and the neglect of healthcare workers’ welfare in the nation’s capital.
He lamented that doctors in Abuja have been abandoned and appealed to the Minister to act promptly to avert an indefinite shutdown of hospitals.
Ebong revealed that despite holding several discussions with the government and granting a two-week extension to address their concerns, no tangible action had been taken.
He highlighted the plight of doctors, particularly the six months of unpaid arrears, which remain unresolved.
He criticised the government for neglecting doctors’ welfare, urging the Minister to prioritize their needs just as infrastructure projects are being addressed.
He warned that failure to resolve the issues after the warning strike would lead to an indefinite industrial action.
Ebong also pointed out that promises regarding the accoutrements allowance, essential for daily medical operations, had not been fulfilled.
He expressed frustration over unfulfilled assurances from the authorities, noting that such delays erode trust in the system.
He further decried the lack of career progression for doctors, citing cases where medical professionals who passed promotion exams years ago continue to work in higher roles without formal recognition or corresponding financial benefits.
The situation, he said, has left consultants being treated as senior registrars.
Highlighting the risks faced by healthcare workers, Ebong noted that despite an approved increase in hazard allowances since 2021 due to the high risks of diseases like COVID-19 and Lassa fever, doctors in the FCT are still owed 13 months of arrears.
He called on the government to honour its commitments and address these long-standing issues to restore confidence among medical professionals.