Doctors embarks on three-day strike over unpaid salaries

Doctors embarks on three-day strike over unpaid salaries

by Joseph Anthony
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The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA), initiated a three-day warning strike due to unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unfulfilled demands.

This action has significantly disrupted services across government hospitals in Abuja.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. George Ebong, the President of ARD FCTA, explained that the strike followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum given to the government last year. He expressed disappointment over the neglect of doctors’ welfare and hospital conditions in Abuja, labeling doctors as “abandoned projects.” He urged the FCT Minister, Nyesome Wike, to intervene to prevent further escalation to an indefinite strike.

Dr. Ebong highlighted that the strike was a direct result of discussions at the ARD’s Congress on Tuesday. He detailed the strike’s impact, noting it affects hospitals from Wuse to Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and beyond in Abuja.

He further elaborated on the negotiations, stating, “We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands, and after that, we met with them and dialogued on several occasions. They pleaded for two weeks, but after that elapsed, nothing has been done. Not even the minimum thing. We expected them to pay for the 6 months of unpaid arrears to doctors.”

Dr. Ebong emphasized the dire situation of doctors, drawing a parallel with the ongoing road constructions, suggesting that attention should also be paid to doctors’ welfare. He warned that post-strike, an assessment would be made, and if no action is taken, an indefinite strike could follow.

“We want the Minister of FCT to solve this problem to avert an indefinite shutdown of the hospitals in Abuja,” Dr. Ebong concluded during the press briefing.

This strike comes after ARD FCTA issued warnings in December 2024 about potential shutdowns due to unaddressed demands.

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