The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced a seven-day warning strike.
A communiqué signed by NARD’s President, Dr George Ebong, with other executive members of the association conveyed the decision to commence the industrial action on Monday.
The resident doctors described the FCT health system as a long-standing systemic failure requiring comprehensive and immediate reform.
Ebong stressed that doctors in the FCT were under immense pressure, frequently covering multiple departments.
He called on the Federal Government to urgently address rising challenges in the health sector, warning that continued neglect could cause systemic collapse.
The association also demanded urgent intervention in areas like manpower shortages, non-functional equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid staff allowances.
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NARD also raised concerns over unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of promoted staff, urging the government to act swiftly to boost the morale of healthcare workers and restore service efficiency.
Ebong further advised that decision-making must include frontline health professionals.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isaq Salako, has expressed confidence that the Federal Government’s ongoing talks with the NARD will prevent the strike.
Speaking during Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the minister said; “The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing, we had a meeting on Monday; we are making progress.
According to him, the main issue is the outstanding residency training allowance, about 40 per cent of which for 2025 is yet to be paid.
He, however, assured that discussions are underway to resolve the matter.
When asked if the government could guarantee a resolution before the ultimatum expires, Salako added, “That is my hope, and that is what we are working on.”