JUST IN: Doctors in Abuja Begin Three-Day Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Shut Down Hospitals

Medical services in Abuja have been disrupted as the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD FCTA), begins a three-day warning strike. The strike, which started on Wednesday, comes in response to unpaid salaries, allowances, and other unresolved grievances.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, ARD FCTA President Dr. George Ebong stated that the decision to strike followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum issued last year. According to him, doctors in the FCT have been neglected, with many going unpaid for months. He called on the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to intervene urgently to prevent an indefinite shutdown of hospitals.

The strike affects all government hospitals in the FCT, including facilities in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya. Dr. Ebong explained that despite repeated engagements with the government, their demands have not been met. While officials requested an additional two weeks to address the issues, he noted that even the most basic commitments remain unfulfilled.

Among the key grievances are unpaid salaries for up to six months, outstanding hazard allowances, delays in the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and failure to implement long-overdue promotions. Dr. Ebong lamented that doctors are being overworked due to manpower shortages, with one doctor often performing the duties of five. Many, he said, have left the country in search of better opportunities, leaving those who remain in an increasingly dire situation.

Beyond salaries, the doctors also raised concerns about deteriorating hospital conditions. They described outdated and faulty equipment, hospitals running without water for months, and wards overcrowded beyond capacity. Dr. Ebong warned that if urgent action is not taken, the healthcare system in Abuja could collapse entirely.

The ARD FCTA had previously issued warnings about a possible strike in December. Now, with no resolution in sight, they say they have no choice but to take action. The three-day strike serves as a final warning—if their demands remain unmet, the doctors say they will proceed with an indefinite shutdown of healthcare services in the capital.