The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCTA) announced the suspension of their indefinite strike on Friday, even as their key requests remain unfulfilled. This development follows a mediation by the Senate committee charged with Federal Territory Area Councils and related affairs.
The doctors’ group had launched the open-ended work stoppage earlier this week, citing unresolved grievances despite a preceding one-week warning action. Their grievances include poor working conditions, withheld salaries, undocumented salary deductions, and severe staff shortages. Additionally, they raised concerns about the psychological strain caused by extended shifts and the lack of fresh recruitment in FCT hospitals dating back to 2011.
Dawn Herald reported yesterday that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, publicly acknowledged the doctors’ concerns during a ceremony marking the commencement of the Northern Parkway construction from Ring Road II to Ring III. He confirmed that he had approved the demands presented by the resident doctors, expressing appreciation for their decision to call off the strike.
President of ARD-FCTA, Dr. George Ebong, explained that the decision to pause the stoppage was largely influenced by the Senate Committee’s intervention. While pressing issues are yet to be addressed, the committee assured that it would liaise directly with the minister regarding the doctors’ demands.
The Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters stepped in. Although our demands have not been met, they have promised to engage the minister, and we have chosen to trust their commitment. Our respect for the committee, admiration for the FCT Minister, and love for our patients are what persuaded us to suspend the strike. We remain committed to saving lives while awaiting fulfillment of our requests – Dr. Ebong
As dialogue between health professionals, government authorities, and legislative bodies continues, what will happen next will be dependent on the resolution of the doctors’ outstanding concerns. The ARD-FCTA has vowed to keep patient care paramount while hoping the commitments made will soon translate into tangible improvements in the FCT health system.
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