The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, on Wednesday, began a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries, allowances, and other demands.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Dr George Ebong, the President of ARD FCTA, said the strike followed the expiration of the three-week ultimatum issued last year.
It will be recalled that the association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on December 23, 2024, to meet its demands.
Speaking on behalf of doctors in the territory, Ebong condemned the neglect of hospitals and doctors’ welfare in the nation’s capital.
He emphasised that doctors in Abuja had become abandoned projects and called on the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to intervene to prevent an indefinite shutdown of hospitals.
According to Ebong, the decision to embark on the three-day warning strike was a result of a Congress meeting held by its members on Tuesday.
“The three-day strike is being implemented across all government hospitals in Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and all other hospitals in Abuja.”
“We gave the government an ultimatum to meet our demands, and after that, we met with them and held several dialogues. They pleaded for two weeks, but after that elapsed, nothing has been done. Not even the minimum thing. We expected them to pay the six months of unpaid arrears to doctors.”
“Honestly, doctors have been abandoned. Just as the roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should be considered by the minister,” he said.
He maintained that if nothing is done regarding the doctors’ demands after the three-day strike, they would conduct an appraisal.
“If nothing is done, we will go on an indefinite strike. We want the Minister of FCT to solve this problem to prevent an indefinite shutdown of hospitals in Abuja,” he stated.
He revealed that promises made regarding the accoutrements allowance had not been fulfilled.
“This allowance, meant for the tools we use daily to serve Nigerians, has also been delayed indefinitely. Management assured us this money would be paid, but to date, nothing has been done. These broken promises make it harder for us to trust the system.”
“Imagine passing a promotion exam years ago, in our case, 2-5 years ago, taking on the responsibilities of your new role, but still being paid for your old position. This is our reality.
”Doctors who have earned the title of ‘consultant’ are still treated as senior registrars, with no formal recognition or financial benefits. It is a slap in the face to our hard work and commitment.”
“Since 2021, there has been an increase in our hazard allowance — an increase approved due to the high risks we face daily.
”From COVID-19 to Lassa fever, we work on the front lines, often at great personal risk. Yet, here in the FCT, we are still owed 13 months of arrears,” he emphasised.
