The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), Abuja, Nigeria, has called off its warning strike following the prompt intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement on Friday, the President of the Association, Dr. George Ebong, confirmed that the demands of the doctors had been met, leading to the suspension of the strike.
Earlier this week, doctors had grounded all FCTA-owned hospitals in Abuja over unpaid arrears and other grievances. However, by Friday, Dr. Ebong revealed that members had started receiving alerts for the six-month salary arrears owed to them.
The intervention also included the approval and immediate payment of the accoutrement allowance, medical residency bonding for two years, and the hiring of doctors and allied health workers to address the severe shortage of manpower. Additionally, locum doctors and other health workers who were owed were also compensated.
Dr. Ebong expressed appreciation for Minister Wike’s timely intervention, which helped avert the potential indefinite shutdown of hospitals in the capital. He also noted that doctors in the FCT would resume their duties on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
However, the association also urged the minister to address remaining demands to prevent future disruptions. These include the payment of hazard allowances, the upgrading and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, and the conversion of post-part-2 doctors to consultant cadre.
“We deeply appreciate the Honourable Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his prompt and timely intervention,” Dr. Ebong said in the statement. “We hope that other demands will be attended to in due time, and we believe in the Minister’s capacity to turn the FCTA health sector into a model for others to follow.”
