By: Aremu Toyeebaht
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, has declared an indefinite strike, warning that public hospitals in the territory are nearing collapse due to severe staff shortages and poor welfare conditions.
In a communiqué signed by ARD-FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, the doctors said the strike, which began on Monday, became inevitable after a seven-day warning strike failed to yield meaningful results
The association accused the government of neglecting critical issues affecting healthcare delivery, including unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, overstretched personnel, and deteriorating working conditions.
A major concern, the doctors said, is the absence of fresh recruitment into FCT hospitals since 2011, leaving the current workforce overwhelmed and under immense psychological pressure.
“The situation in FCT hospitals has reached a breaking point. Without new hands since 2011, the pressure on existing doctors has become unbearable. Coupled with welfare challenges, unpaid entitlements, and unexplained salary deductions, it is no longer sustainable,” the communiqué stated.
The resident doctors argued that the indefinite strike is a last resort to compel urgent intervention to restore efficiency and sustainability in the FCT’s healthcare system.
