The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has commenced a seven-day warning strike after extending its ultimatum to the Federal Government by 24 hours.
The decision followed a communiqué issued on Monday, September 1, by the President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. George Ebong, alongside other executive members.
The communiqué warned that the action was inevitable if the government failed to meet their demands.
According to the association, the FCT health system has suffered from “a long-standing systemic failure that requires comprehensive and immediate reform.”
Dr. Ebong lamented the increasing workload on doctors, noting that many are compelled to handle multiple departments simultaneously.
He urged the government to urgently address rising challenges in the health sector, warning that “continued neglect could cause systemic collapse.”
The association also raised concerns over unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and the underpayment of promoted staff. It urged authorities to act swiftly to restore morale among healthcare workers and improve service delivery.
As of press time, the FCT Health and Environment Secretariat has not responded to the warning strike.
Multiple calls to Dr. Adedolapo Fasewe, Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat, went unanswered, while attempts to reach the Permanent Secretary, Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Babagana Adam, were unsuccessful as his phone line remained busy.
