By Sekinat Salahudeen
FCT Doctors Begin Strike, Decry Snake Infestation and Poor Facilities
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has raised alarm over the deplorable state of public hospitals in Abuja, claiming that the facilities have been overtaken by snakes and other reptiles.
Speaking on Monday, ARD FCT President, George Ebong, said some doctors have lost their lives to snake bites, stressing that the situation has reached a breaking point.
The association has declared a seven-day warning strike to press home its demands for better working conditions, remuneration, and urgent reforms in the health sector.
Ebong explained that the strike, which began on September 8, would not be suspended until authorities meet their demands. He noted that doctors are now mentally warning that the situation poses danger to both health workers and patients.
Read also: Private Hospitals Decry Soaring Power Costs
“This is an all-in-one shutdown for seven days. All of our demands must be met before we will resume work. We have been trusting promises for years with nothing done. Our hospitals have been invaded by snakes, and some doctors died from snake bites. We are becoming harmful to our patients because we can’t keep treating people while we are mentally sick,” he said.
He further described the condition of Abuja hospitals as both embarrassing and dangerous, pointing out that doctors work without the most basic equipment or consumables.
Read also: Doctors Protest Over Poor Conditions at Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja
In a communiqué issued after a congress meeting on September 5, the association listed twelve resolutions. These include:
A one-week warning strike from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 8, to 8:00 a.m. on Monday, September 15, after which congress will reassess progress made by the FCTA.
Immediate payment of salary arrears owed to members employed in 2023.
Urgent recruitment of new doctors, with documented assurance that the process will be completed before the end of 2025.
Payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Rectification of erroneous deductions and irregular salary payments.
Completion of skipping and conversion processes within one month.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure skipping within three months of employment and conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six months.
Timely promotion exercises with arrears paid in full.
Immediate payment of wage award arrears, CONMESS upward review arrears, and hazard allowance arrears.
Urgent renovation, equipping, and upgrading of FCTA hospitals to world-class standards.
The doctors maintained that unless these issues are urgently addressed, the healthcare system in the FCT risks total collapse.
