Resident Doctors Begin Three-Day Strike In Abuja

Doctors in Abuja strike over six months of unpaid salaries.
Hospitals face equipment decay, overcrowding, and water shortages.
Association threatens indefinite strike if demands remain unmet.

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA), has commenced a three-day warning strike, paralyzing activities in government hospitals across Abuja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, Dr. George Ebong, President of ARD FCTA, stated that the strike was prompted by six months of unpaid salaries, unfulfilled allowances, and other pressing issues. He emphasized the dire state of healthcare in the nation’s capital, urging the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to intervene.

“The decision to embark on this strike follows the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued last year. Despite multiple dialogues and even a two-week grace period requested by the government, no tangible action has been taken,” Dr. Ebong said.

The strike, he added, spans hospitals in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya. Doctors across these facilities are demanding the immediate payment of salary arrears, medical residency training funds (MRTF), accoutrement allowances, and promotions for deserving staff.

“The MRTF, a critical fund for our training and examinations, has not been paid for 2024, while other centers are already preparing for 2025 allocations. Furthermore, 13 months of unpaid hazard allowances remain outstanding, despite approvals to increase these payments in 2021,” he said.

Dr. Ebong lamented the deteriorating state of Abuja’s healthcare infrastructure, citing obsolete equipment, overcrowded facilities, and water shortages in some hospitals. “Doctors are working under unbearable conditions, with outdated tools and a critical manpower shortage. Yet, no steps are being taken to replace those who leave,” he added.

The association warned that failure to meet their demands after the three-day strike could result in an indefinite shutdown of healthcare services in the FCT.

Doctors Strike In Abuja

This strike comes amid growing frustration among medical professionals, who feel abandoned despite their sacrifices. “We are not asking for luxuries; we’re fighting for survival—for doctors, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole,” Dr. Ebong said.