FCT Resident Doctors declares indefinite strike
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory has commenced an indefinite strike over failure of the Minister, Nyeson Wike to address pressing demands.
Recalled that the association had given a 7 day warning strike which had end in the early hours of Sunday.
In a press conference, the President of ARD-FCT, Dr George Ebong said the indefinite strike begins today (Monday) at 8:00am immediately.
He said ” after reassessing the demands presented to the management of resident hospitals in the FCT the Congress noted with deep disappointment that none of our demands have been met.
” This once again confirms our fears of the chronic neglect of our healthcare system affecting the effectiveness of the medical Doctors in order to carry our care of the highest standard.
” The Congress has resolved to embark on indefinite strike starting today Monday by 8:00am until government and management demonstrate genuine commitment in making health care a priority in FCT.
He noted that the strike is not targeted at the minister or anyone personally but against the failed health sector in the nation’s capital.The government is to meet any of our demands financially and non-financially.
“The Government of FCTA has refused to listen; the Congress has mandated that until they listen, we will go on strike starting from this morning, Monday, September 15th, 2025.
According to him this is not targeted against the minister or mandate secretary, but against a failed health system.
“We call on the Minister of FCT to do the needful.The Congress voted for an indefinite strike until our demands are met.Non-payment of 26 of our members after a long dialogue of seven months.
“The issue of unemployment has continued to affect the service to our patients. Unexplained deduction of salary and promotion since 2023.Some of the hospitals do not have X-rays. Hospitals are not favourable for working.”
“We demand immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears to members employed since 2023. Immediate commencement of recruitment of new doctors, with written, time-bound commitments to conclude before the end of 2025. This is of utmost urgency.
” Immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF for doctors’ medical training.Immediate stoppage of all erroneous deductions and correction of irregular salary payments
“Documented timelines for skipping and conversion to be fully concluded within one (1) month. Signing of an MOU mandating skipping of members within three (3) months of employment.
Dr. Ebong seek Conversion of post-Part II Fellows to Consultant cadre within six (6) months of passing-Release of promotion timelines and full payment of arrears within one (1)
Other demands by the Congress are Immediate payment of wage award arrears, as already done for colleagues at federal and statee Levels.
“Immediate payment of arrears from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS review. Urgent renovation, equipping, and upgrading of all FCTA hospitals to globally acceptable standards.
Also , Immediate payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.I mmediate payment of all arrears owed to 2025 external residents among others.