Pregnant women, children, and elderly patients were left stranded on Monday as resident doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), commenced an indefinite strike.
The industrial action follows the expiration of a seven-day warning strike declared last week after prolonged negotiations with the FCTA management failed to yield results. Several hospitals across Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, and Maitama District Hospitals, have begun discharging patients as the strike disrupts services.
In a communiqué signed by ARD-FCTA President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, the doctors stated that the government had failed to meet their demands despite repeated engagements.
The doctors are demanding payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of additional staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and payment of arrears from the recent 25–35 percent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
Other demands include timely conversion of post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre, resolution of salary deductions, prompt payment of wage award arrears, hazard allowance arrears, and renovation of FCTA hospitals.
Following what the association described as “exhaustive and historic deliberations,” the Congress resolved to commence an indefinite strike from 8:00 a.m. on September 15, 2025, “until government demonstrates genuine commitment to prioritizing healthcare in the FCT.”
At the Wuse District Hospital, patients expressed their frustrations. A mother of a five-year-old girl shared her experience, stating she paid ₦8,000 for hospital cards but could not see a doctor. “Going to a private clinic is expensive, and I can’t afford it,” she lamented. Another woman, whose daughter required physiotherapy, said nurses only intervened after she broke down in tears.
A 69-year-old man, Mr. Osadolor, lamented being turned back twice. “I usually run my medical check-up weeks before my birthday, but this year seems impossible. I pray the government listens to them,” he said.
Pregnant women also bore the brunt of the strike. One expectant mother, scheduled for an appointment on September 15, expressed shock at finding no doctor available. Another, who had waited hours, was eventually told to return home.
Hospitals confirmed that wards, including female medical, gynaecology, surgical, and paediatric units, had been discharged, with some locked entirely. Nurses, however, continued limited services such as immunizations and birth registrations.
Patients and their families appealed to the government and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to intervene urgently to prevent further disruption of healthcare in the nation’s capital.
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