FCT Resident Doctors Begin One-Week Warning Strike

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory has downed tools, beginning a seven-day warning strike.

In a communique signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, alongside other executives, the group lamented what it called “a long-standing systemic failure” of the FCT health sector, insisting that only comprehensive and immediate reform could rescue the system.

Ebong explained that doctors were stretched thin, often forced to cover multiple departments, a situation he described as unsustainable. He warned that unless the Federal Government took urgent action, “continued neglect could cause systemic collapse.”

The doctors listed their demands to include addressing manpower shortages, fixing non-functional equipment, improving poor working conditions, and settling unpaid allowances. They also complained of delayed promotions, unpaid salaries, and cases where promoted staff were still underpaid. According to them, boosting morale and efficiency in the sector must start with the welfare of health workers.

Ebong emphasized that frontline professionals should be carried along in all health-related decision-making. The association gave the FCT administration one week to act decisively, cautioning that failure to do so would leave them with no choice but to escalate beyond a warning strike.

Responding to the crisis, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, struck a note of optimism. Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, he said: “The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing, we had a meeting on Monday; we are making progress.”

He acknowledged that the major sticking point was the residency training allowance, of which “about 40 per cent for 2025 is yet to be paid.” But he reassured the public that talks were ongoing to resolve the matter. Asked if a resolution was guaranteed before the strike deadline lapses, Salako replied: “That is my hope, and that is what we are working on.”