The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration, ARD FCTA, has initiated a three-day strike.
This action is in response to ongoing issues related to unpaid salaries, allowances, and unmet demands.
This strike has led to the suspension of services at government hospitals across Abuja.
Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, explaining that the strike follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum given to the government last year.
Despite attempts at dialogue and a request for an extension, the issues have not been addressed, prompting the doctors to take action.
Dr. Ebong expressed dissatisfaction with the neglect of both hospital infrastructure and the welfare of medical professionals in the capital.
He emphasized that doctors in Abuja feel like “abandoned projects,” urging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to intervene before the situation escalates to an indefinite shutdown of hospital services.
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The decision to begin the strike came after a Congress meeting of the association on Tuesday.
Dr. Ebong confirmed that all government hospitals in Abuja, including those in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya, are participating in the strike.
He reiterated that the doctors had given the government ample time to meet their demands, but after the expiration of both the initial three-week ultimatum and a subsequent two-week extension, no action had been taken, including the payment of six months’ worth of unpaid arrears.
“Doctors have been treated like abandoned projects,” Dr. Ebong stated. “Just as infrastructure projects like roads are being prioritized, the welfare of doctors in the nation’s capital should also be considered.”
He further warned that if no resolution is reached after the three-day strike, the association would consider escalating to an indefinite strike.
Dr. Ebong called on the Minister of FCT to urgently address these issues to prevent a prolonged shutdown of Abuja’s hospitals.
This strike follows an earlier warning in December 2024, where ARD FCTA had raised concerns about the government’s failure to meet its demands.
Crediblenewsng.com
