By Onoja Baba, Nigeria
The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCTA), has called off its three-day warning strike after the timely intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The doctors, who had downed tools on Wednesday to press home their demands, announced the resumption of work following significant progress made in addressing their grievances.
Dr. George Ebong, President of the Association, revealed in a statement on Friday that the Federal Capital Territory Administration, under Wike’s leadership, had met most of their key demands, leading to the decision to end the industrial action.
He confirmed that members have begun receiving alerts for the six months of salary arrears owed to them.
Dr. Ebong further disclosed that Minister Wike had approved and directed the immediate payment of several outstanding entitlements, including the accoutrement allowance and the 2024 Medical Residency Training Funds.
Additionally, Wike approved the immediate employment of doctors and allied health workers to address the severe manpower shortage in FCTA health facilities, as well as the payment of locum doctors and other health workers who had been owed.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Ebong stated, “On behalf of the executive members and the entire supreme congress of the ARD-FCTA, I deeply appreciate the Honourable Minister, Nyesom Wike, for his prompt and timely intervention in meeting our demands, thereby ending our warning shutdown and averting a looming timeless shutdown.”
He added that all resident doctors are expected to resume duty on Saturday, January 25, 2025, by 8:00 AM, while also appealing to the Minister to implement mechanisms to prevent a recurrence of such issues.
The ARD-FCTA president also called on Wike to address other outstanding demands, including the payment of hazard allowances, the upgrading and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, and the conversion of post-part-two residency doctors to consultant cadre.
Dr. Ebong assured the Minister of the association’s continued support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, praising Wike’s proactive leadership in addressing the challenges faced by healthcare workers in the Federal Capital Territory.
The timely resolution of the strike has been met with relief by residents of Abuja, who had experienced disruptions in healthcare services during the industrial action.
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