FCT: Doctors declare 3-day strike, shut hospitals

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA) Wednesday said it has commenced a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries, allowances, and other demands.

Activities in all government hospitals in Abuja were grounded Wednesday.

The president of ARD FCTA, Dr George Ebong, said the strike came after a three-week ultimatum issued last year by the doctors elapsed.

He lamented that doctors in Abuja were abandoned projects and called on Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, to intervene.

He warned that the doctors may embark on indefinite strike if nothing is done about their complaints.

He stated that the decision to embark on the three-day warning strike is a fallout from a congress held by its members on Tuesday.

“The three-day strike is being implemented across all government hospitals in Abuja-from Wuse to Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya and all other hospitals in Abuja.

“We gave the government a three-week ultimatum to meet our demands, and after that, we met with them and dialogued on several occasions. They pleaded for two weeks, but after that elapsed, nothing has been done. Not even the minimum thing. We expected them to pay for the six months of unpaid arrears to doctors.

“Honestly, doctors have been abandoned projects. Just as the roads are being constructed, the welfare of doctors should be considered by the minister.

“After this three-day strike, we will do an appraisal. If nothing is done, we will go on an indefinite strike,” he said.