The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA) has, consequently, initiated a three-day warning strike, citing unpaid salaries, allowances, and welfare concerns as the primary reasons.
During a press briefing held on Wednesday in Abuja, George Ebong, the president of ARD FCTA, announced the strike.
He criticized the neglect of hospitals and the welfare of doctors in the capital.
As a result, this industrial action was deemed necessary after the three-week ultimatum that was given last year ran out, and unfortunately, it ended without any resolution.
Furthermore, Ebong mentioned, “The three-day strike is currently in effect at all government hospitals in Abuja, such as Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and several others.”
He emphasized that they had given the government ample time to address their demands through several dialogues.
Despite the government’s pleas for an additional two weeks, no action followed.
Ebong expressed disappointment, stating, “We expected them to pay the six months of unpaid arrears to doctors.”
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ebong challenged Nyesom Wike, the federal capital territory (FCT) minister, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to utilize government hospitals.
“To improve our healthcare system, every government official must use the government hospitals. Let’s start with that,” he asserted.
Ebong added, “I want to see the minister at Wuse General Hospital, the Senate President at Maitama General Hospital, and the Speaker at Nyanya General Hospital. This is where we begin to fix the system.”
He insisted that without their participation, genuine improvement remains unlikely.
Ebong, on the other hand, criticized Wike, pointing out that he has been concentrating on road projects.
Meanwhile, he has been neglecting health institutions, many of which are, unfortunately, in dire condition.
“The minister has prioritized roads over hospitals, and we are deeply concerned,” he stated.
He emphasized that hospitals are critical to innovation and rehabilitation. “No matter how many roads he fixes, hospitals must come first. They are essential,” he remarked.
Ebong highlighted urgent issues, saying, “We lack electricity, which hampers testing; we lack drugs, functioning scan machines, and adequate manpower.” He urged the minister to ensure that all wages are paid and to visit hospitals to assess their current state.