Resident doctors in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun a seven-day warning strike, demanding comprehensive reforms to address systemic failures in the healthcare system. The Association of Resident Doctors, FCT Chapter (ARD-FCT), announced the strike in a communique signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong.
Key Demands of the Resident Doctors:
- Recruitment of More Medical Personnel: To ease workload and ensure sustainable healthcare delivery
- Improved Welfare and Working Conditions: For doctors to perform optimally
- Adequate Funding: To upgrade infrastructure and equipment in public hospitals
- Implementation of Policies: To guarantee sustainable healthcare delivery in the FCT
The doctors described the FCT health system as “long-standing systemic failure” requiring immediate reform. Dr. Ebong emphasized that resident doctors are under immense pressure, frequently covering multiple departments due to inadequate staffing and poor working conditions. The strike is expected to disrupt services at major FCT hospitals, raising concerns among patients.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, has expressed confidence that ongoing talks between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will prevent the strike. However, the association has warned that failure to address their demands may lead to escalation of the industrial action.
