Patients stranded as doctors’ strike cripples FCT hospitals

Abuja map

As the Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory Administration began its seven-day warning strike on Monday, hospitals across the FCT were left offering only skeletal services.

Our correspondents, who visited some of the facilities, observed that many patients were stranded as overstretched consultants, nurses, and other health workers struggled to manage the situation.

The strike was declared by the Abuja chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, following months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA.

The ARD-FCTA is an association of doctors practising in the 14 District and General Hospitals, including the Department of Public Health under the FCTA.

The doctors are demanding the payment of salary arrears, ranging from one to six months, owed to members employed since 2023.

They also want the immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and payment of arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

In addition, they are asking for clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes for all members, along with the settlement of all accumulated arrears. Punch