The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has officially commenced an indefinite strike, plunging healthcare services in Abuja into fresh uncertainty.
The decision was announced in a communique released on Monday and jointly signed by the association’s President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong.
The doctors explained that the strike became inevitable after months of unresolved negotiations with the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
This move follows the seven-day warning strike embarked upon by the association last week.
At the time, the resident doctors had vowed to escalate their action if the government failed to address their demands, which include improved welfare, payment of salary arrears, and the provision of adequate facilities in hospitals under the FCTA.
“Despite our repeated calls for dialogue and concrete action, the government has continued to pay lip service to the plight of resident doctors and the healthcare system in the FCT,” the communique partly read.
The indefinite strike has already sparked fears of disruptions in medical services across the capital city.
Hospitals managed by the FCTA are expected to bear the brunt, with patients likely to face delays, longer waiting hours, or outright denial of medical attention.
Healthcare stakeholders are urging the government to act swiftly, warning that the prolonged absence of resident doctors could worsen Abuja’s health crisis, especially at a time when outbreaks of cholera and other public health challenges are spreading across parts of the country.
Residents expressed mixed reactions to the development. Some sympathized with the doctors, insisting that their demands were legitimate and long overdue.
Others, however, pleaded for a quick resolution, arguing that patients should not suffer because of government negligence.
The FCTA is yet to issue an official response to the latest strike declaration. However, sources within the administration say fresh negotiations may soon be initiated to persuade the doctors to return to work.
For now, the indefinite strike stands, leaving Abuja residents anxious about the impact on healthcare delivery in the days ahead.