The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA) has issued a stark warning to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The doctors have given the minister a 14-day deadline to meet their demands or face the “deadliest shutdown” of hospitals in the nation’s capital.
Dr George Ebong, the President of the ARD-FCTA, spoke to the press in Abuja on Monday, expressing both appreciation and frustration.
While he praised Wike for his focus on infrastructural development, Dr Ebong pointed out the urgent need to address the welfare of the doctors.
He highlighted that doctors in Abuja are struggling under difficult economic conditions, with many facing financial hardship.
“The minister must focus on human development, just as he is focusing on infrastructure,” Dr Ebong said.
He warned that if the minister fails to meet their demands, the consequences could be disastrous for the health sector in the capital.
“We are on the verge of extinction due to economic hardships,” Dr Ebong continued. “Our members are under immense pressure, and we can no longer ignore the challenges we face.”
The ARD’s demands are significant, including the payment of six months’ salary arrears for doctors employed in 2023.
They are also calling for the immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund for 2024.
Other requests include the urgent review of the bonding policy, which currently binds doctors to the FCTA for six years after their training.
The ARD is asking for this to be reduced to two years, reflecting a more reasonable commitment for doctors starting their careers in the FCTA.
Additionally, the doctors are demanding the enforcement of skipping policies for their members employed in 2023.
They are also seeking the payment of their 2024 accoutrements allowance and outstanding hazard allowance arrears for the previous year.
“We want our colleagues employed in 2023 to receive their skipping letters,” said Dr Ebong. “We also want the FCTA to fast-track the conversion of Post 2 members to consultants.”
The doctors are also urging the government to hire more healthcare workers to address the growing manpower shortage in the capital’s hospitals.
Dr Ebong stressed that if these demands are not met, the consequences would be severe not just for healthcare workers, but for the people they serve.
“This injustice is alien to the FCT,” he said. “If this continues, it will lead to the collapse of the nation’s health sector. We need the minister to act before it’s too late.”
The ARD previously issued a 21-day ultimatum during their Annual General Meeting, leaving just two weeks for Wike to take action.
Dr Ebong made it clear that the association does not want to resort to drastic measures, but that their patience is running out.
“The shutdown we are warning about could be the deadliest one yet,” he said. “If we are forced to act, it could lead to loss of lives.”
He also mentioned that healthcare workers in Abuja have been patient, but that their continued sacrifices are being undermined by the lack of action from the government.
“We want to be able to serve the people of Abuja to the best of our ability,” Dr Ebong said. “But that is impossible without the proper support from the government.”
The ARD’s warnings come at a time when many Nigerians are concerned about the state of the healthcare system in the country.
Healthcare workers in various parts of Nigeria have faced similar struggles, including salary delays and inadequate support for their training and professional development.
These challenges are compounded by the wider economic difficulties many Nigerians are experiencing, which have led to increased frustration among essential workers.
Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers have been vocal about their struggles, and many have resorted to strikes or other forms of protest to demand better working conditions.
Dr Ebong’s comments reflect the growing sense of urgency among Abuja’s medical professionals.
“We have been patient long enough,” he said. “Now is the time for action. The FCT minister has 14 days to deliver.”
The minister’s office has yet to respond to the ARD’s warning, and it remains to be seen whether Wike will take the necessary steps to avoid a crisis in the capital’s healthcare sector.
In the meantime, the pressure is mounting, with the clock ticking down on the doctors’ ultimatum.
If the minister fails to act, the health system in Abuja could face a major disruption, with hospitals potentially forced to shut their doors to patients.
This situation highlights the deepening crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare system, where issues of underfunding and poor working conditions have led to increasing discontent among medical professionals.
