The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has commenced its seven-day warning strike.
This was announced in Abuja by ARD-FCT President, Dr George Ebong, who said the decision followed resolutions reached at the end of its emergency general meeting held on Friday, September 5.
He said the decision is hinged on the attitude of the FCT Administration, despite rounds of extensive dialogue in addressing persistent and unresolved issues affecting the association.
Some of the issues raised by the association include lack of manpower, the psychological impact of long working hours on doctors which has resulted in the death of a doctor recently in Port Harcourt, unpaid salaries and unexplained deductions, the poor working conditions, particularly the emergency and consulting rooms.
He stated there has not been any employment since 2011.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.
He called on the FCT administration to declare a state of emergency on the 14 district and general hospitals in the FCT, adding that the seven-day warning strike will be uninterrupted.
Ebong warned that if after seven days the issues raised are not resolved, the doctors will embark on an indefinite strike.
To underscore the urgency, the association gave the FCT administration a one-week deadline to begin meaningful reforms, especially on staffing and welfare, warning of a one-week warning strike if unmet.
