Healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory were paralysed on Monday as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FCT chapter, commenced a seven-day warning strike, leaving patients stranded and overstretched consultants and nurses battling to keep services running.
The industrial action, declared after months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA, affects doctors across 14 district and general hospitals, as well as the Department of Public Health.
The striking doctors are demanding payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and full implementation of the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Other demands include timelines for skipping and conversion processes, conversion of post-Part II Fellows to consultant cadre within six months, clearance of wage award arrears, settlement of hazard allowance arrears, and renovation of FCTA hospitals.
Patients in Distress
Visits by Hobnob News correspondents to Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, and Kubwa hospitals revealed scenes of distress. Patients were turned away in some facilities, while admitted patients were managed under severe strain.
At Maitama District Hospital, nurses said they had been instructed to manage only inpatients and emergencies until the strike ends. At Garki Hospital, staff hinted that patients might soon be discharged to reduce workload, while at Kubwa General Hospital, only emergency cases received attention, with others referred to private facilities.
“The consultants are overwhelmed because resident doctors have downed tools. A few are now struggling to manage over 100 patients,” one source at Kubwa General Hospital disclosed.
Doctors Raise Alarm on Manpower Crisis
ARD FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, decried the severe manpower shortage, revealing that some doctors are forced to see up to 30 patients daily, perform multiple caesarean sections, and remain on call for weeks without relief.
“Doctors are breaking down mentally and physically. Some are on antidepressants due to the stress. Many female doctors have suffered miscarriages. Since 2011, no significant recruitment has been carried out. We cannot continue this way,” Ebong lamented.
He warned that if the government fails to address their demands after the warning strike, members will reconvene to consider further action.
Government Response
Reacting to the crisis, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to the FCT Minister, Lere Olayinka, confirmed that Minister Nyesom Wike was aware of the situation and scheduled to meet with the doctors on Tuesday.
“Of course, the Minister is on top of it and will engage the doctors tomorrow (today),” Olayinka assured.
The FCT has witnessed recurrent industrial actions in recent years, underscoring deeper systemic issues in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including underfunding, brain drain, and dilapidated infrastructure.
