The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a strong warning to Minister Nyesom Wike, demanding urgent action on their welfare issues. The doctors announced that if their demands are not met within 14 days, they will embark on what they describe as the “deadliest shutdown” of hospitals in Abuja.
Speaking at a press conference held at Wuse District Hospital in Abuja, ARD President Dr. George Ebong acknowledged Minister Wike’s efforts in improving infrastructure in the FCT. However, he urged the minister to extend the same attention to the welfare of doctors, who are struggling to cope with economic challenges.
Dr. Ebong emphasized that the healthcare sector cannot thrive without adequate support for medical professionals. He noted that neglecting the well-being of doctors could lead to a complete breakdown in healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital.
The ARD stressed that the 14-day ultimatum should not be ignored, as failing to act could disrupt healthcare services in Abuja, potentially endangering lives.
This appeal highlights the critical need for balanced development, where both infrastructure and human resources receive equal attention. It remains to be seen how Minister Wike will respond to this pressing issue.
“First we have to appreciate the minister for his infrastructural development in the FCT since his emergence.
“We want him to know that doctors is an abandoned project. While he fixes the infrastructural abandoned project, we are the human abandoned projects. We believe the minister can deal with the challenge.
“We want the minister to clear 6 months of salary arrears owed to our members employed in 2023.
“The minister should with urgency clear the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund of 2024.
“Also, we want the minister to review the bonding policy to two years instead of 6 years.
“Other demands are we want the minister to enforce the implementation of skipping and issuance of skipping letters to our members employed in 2023, immediate payment of accoutrements allowance for 2024, payment of outgoing 13 months hazard allowance arrears, and the FCTA management should fast-track conversion of ARD FCTA Post 2 members to consultants and expedite the process of employment of health care workers to buffer the manpower shortage in the Nation’s capital hospitals.
“This injustice is alien to FCT; if this is allowed to continue, the nation’s health sector will collapse. We want the minister to solve the problems so doctors can practice to the best of their ability.
“We earlier gave a 21-day ultimatum last week during our Annual General Meeting, leaving 14 days. We don’t want the deadliest shutdown that may lead to loss of lives; it is important that the minister listen and act on demand without delays,” he stated.
