Resident doctors in Abuja have asked FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to use public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The doctors believe this will help government officials understand the struggles of healthcare workers and patients.
According to George Ebong, the president of resident doctors in the FCT, fixing the healthcare system should start with leaders using the same public facilities. Speaking during a TV interview, he said, “I would like to see the minister use Wuse General Hospital and the Senate President use Maitama General Hospital. If they don’t use these facilities, we can’t expect real change.”
The doctors began a three-day warning strike on Wednesday due to unpaid salaries, allowances, and poor working conditions. This has affected services in hospitals across Abuja, including Wuse, Maitama, Asokoro, Kubwa, and other areas.
Ebong criticized the state of government hospitals in Abuja, saying they lack basic resources like electricity, functional medical equipment, drugs, and adequate staff. In some hospitals, only one doctor is available to manage an entire facility. He also revealed that many doctors have not been paid for up to six months, despite working long hours and taking on the responsibilities of multiple staff.
The doctors accused Wike of neglecting hospitals while focusing on road construction projects. “The minister has been busy fixing roads, but the hospitals are in terrible condition. No matter how many roads are built, hospitals must be a priority,” Ebong said.
Ebong urged Wike to visit the hospitals to see their condition and ensure salaries are paid on time. He added that if the issues are not addressed after the strike, the doctors may consider a complete shutdown of services.
The doctors emphasized that fixing healthcare facilities is vital for the well-being of the citizens and the nation. They called on government leaders to act swiftly to improve working conditions and restore public confidence in the healthcare system.
