Doctors in Abuja have started a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries and poor welfare conditions. The strike, led by ARD FCTA President Dr. George Ebong, affects major hospitals and could escalate into an indefinite shutdown if unresolved. The association urges FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene immediately.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has commenced a three-day warning strike, effectively halting operations in government hospitals across Abuja. The strike arises from unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries, allowances, and poor welfare conditions.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD FCTA President, announced the strike during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He explained that the doctors had issued a three-week ultimatum last year, followed by multiple dialogues with the government, but their demands remain unmet. Despite assurances and a two-week extension requested by authorities, no tangible action was taken to settle six months’ worth of unpaid arrears or improve doctors’ welfare.
The strike impacts major hospitals, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya. Dr. Ebong emphasized that doctors feel abandoned and urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to address their grievances.
He warned that failure to resolve the crisis after three days might result in an indefinite strike, potentially paralyzing healthcare services in Abuja. The ARD FCTA has called for immediate attention to prevent a complete shutdown and ensure doctors’ welfare is treated as a priority.
