The Association of Resident Doctors, FCT Administration (ARD-FCTA), has commenced a seven-day warning strike, urging urgent reforms to address major challenges affecting healthcare delivery and staff welfare across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In a communiqué signed by its president, George Ebong and other executives, ARD-FCTA outlined persistent issues such as manpower shortages, faulty equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid entitlements across hospitals within the FCT.

During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Mr Ebong stressed the importance of a proactive approach by the FCT Administration under minister Nyesom Wike to drive effective, long-term healthcare reforms.

“The FCT health system requires urgent and comprehensive interventions.

“Doctors are overstretched, frequently covering multiple departments due to workforce gaps, placing enormous physical and mental strain on frontline medical personnel,” he stated.

He revealed that no new medical recruitment had occurred in the FCT health sector since 2011, intensifying pressure on existing workers and exacerbating issues like delayed salaries, deductions, and mental burnout.

Mr Ebong referenced recent tragic incidents, including the death of a doctor in Port Harcourt and a nurse from a snakebite in Abaji, highlighting the urgent need for safety and better working conditions.

He said in spite of repeated engagement efforts, the association’s concerns remained unresolved.

Mr Ebong called on the FCT Administration to declare a state of emergency across the 14 districts and general hospitals in the territory.

ARD-FCTA emphasised that the strike followed a seven-day ultimatum issued on Aug. 28.

They described the industrial action as a necessary step toward reform, not an intent to disrupt healthcare services.

“If, after seven days, the issues remain unresolved, we may be compelled to initiate indefinite industrial action,” said Mr Ebong, reiterating the need for including doctors in health-sector policymaking.

He urged all doctors to adhere strictly to the strike directive and promptly report any acts of intimidation or coercion to the ARD-FCTA secretariat for immediate attention and appropriate response.

(NAN)