Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commenced a seven-day warning strike, citing long-standing systemic failures in the region’s healthcare system.
The announcement was made on Monday in a communiqué signed by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCT) President, Dr. George Ebong, alongside other executive members.
The doctors highlighted deep-rooted structural challenges plaguing the FCT health sector, which they say require urgent and comprehensive reforms.
Dr. Ebong emphasized that resident doctors are under immense pressure, often forced to cover multiple departments due to manpower shortages and poor working conditions.
The association also raised concerns over staffing deficiencies, lack of adequate personnel to meet the demands of healthcare delivery, persistent use of outdated or faulty tools that hinder effective treatment, delayed payments of residency training funds, delayed promotions and underpayment of promoted staff.
The ARD-FCT is demanding immediate intervention to address these challenges, warning that continued neglect could lead to a complete collapse of the healthcare system.
They also stressed the importance of involving frontline health workers in decision-making processes to ensure sustainable reforms.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, expressed optimism during an interview, stating that ongoing discussions with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) aim to resolve the crisis.
He acknowledged the delays in disbursing the 2025 residency training allowance, noting that about 40% of the funds remain unpaid.
This strike has drawn attention to the urgent need for systemic reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, as stakeholders hope for a resolution before the strike escalates further.
