Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have raised serious concerns over the alarming state of public hospitals in Abuja, claiming that some doctors have died after being bitten by snakes within hospital premises.
This revelation was made on Monday by the President of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) FCT, Dr. George Ebong, during a press briefing in Abuja. The doctors have since commenced a seven-day warning strike over poor working conditions, unpaid salaries, and other lingering issues.
According to Dr. Ebong, hospitals under the FCT Administration have become unsafe for both health workers and patients. He said the environment is so neglected that snakes and other dangerous reptiles now enter hospital facilities freely, posing life-threatening risks.
“Our hospitals have been overtaken by snakes. Some of our colleagues have died from snake bites. It’s that bad,” he said.
He explained that beyond the physical dangers, doctors are also suffering from mental stress due to poor working conditions, lack of equipment, and irregular salaries.
“We are mentally sick. We are becoming harmful to our patients. We can’t keep treating patients when we ourselves are not well—physically, mentally, or financially,” he added.
The ARD declared the strike to begin from Monday, September 8 to Monday, September 15, 2025, warning that it will not return to work until the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) meets all their demands.
At the heart of the dispute are unpaid salary arrears, poor hospital infrastructure, delay in promotions, and understaffing, among other long-standing issues.
The doctors had earlier issued warnings, but say the FCTA has failed to respond meaningfully to their concerns.
A communiqué issued by the doctors after a congress meeting on September 5, 2025, outlined 12 urgent demands, including:
Immediate payment of salary arrears owed to doctors employed in 2023.
Urgent recruitment of new doctors to address the worsening manpower crisis in FCT hospitals.
Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible members.
Correction of salary errors and irregular payments, including frequent deductions without explanation.
Completion of conversion and promotion processes within one month.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for skipping and consultant cadre promotions, already done in other states and hospitals.
Payment of wage award arrears and 25%/35% CONMESS upward review arrears, already implemented elsewhere.
Renovation and equipping of hospitals, which they described as “deplorable and embarrassing.”
Release of promotion timelines and full payment of promotion arrears.
Payment of hazard allowance arrears, which the doctors say are being deliberately withheld.
“This is not just about salary. It’s about survival. Our doctors are working in dangerous, inhumane conditions, and the government has done little to help,” the communiqué stated.
Many public hospitals in the FCT are reportedly struggling with leaking roofs, broken equipment, shortage of drugs, and inadequate staff. Patients are often left waiting for hours or forced to buy medical supplies before receiving care.
A nurse at one of the hospitals, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the reptile problem, saying snakes have been found in wards and staff quarters.
“We’ve reported it several times. Nothing has been done. It’s just a matter of time before something terrible happens again,” she said.
The ARD says it will not accept further delays or promises without action. It plans to reconvene after the one-week strike to assess whether any progress has been made and decide on the next steps.
“This strike is a warning. If nothing changes, we will escalate. We have been patient for too long,” Dr. Ebong warned.
The FCTA has yet to issue a formal response to the strike or the claims made by the doctors.
With the strike now in effect, patients in Abuja’s government hospitals may face major disruptions in healthcare services. Emergency services may also be affected, raising fears of increased deaths and untreated illnesses.
