The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has called off its three-day warning strike following the intervention of Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.
In a statement issued by George Ebong, the President of the Association, confirmed that the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), under the leadership of the minister, had addressed their demands.
According to BusinessDay, the strike has caused a significant disruption in government hospitals across the FCT, with doctors citing the non-payment of arrears, allowances, and other benefits for staff employed in 2023.
The doctors also highlighted the poor conditions of several hospitals in the FCT and raised concerns about the shortage of manpower, among other demands.
However, Ebong confirmed that members have begun receiving alerts for six months’ worth of unpaid salary arrears.
The ARD-FCT President further revealed that the Minister had approved the immediate payment of the outstanding accoutrement allowances owed to members.
Additionally, the Minister approved two years of bonding training for medical residents, authorized the immediate recruitment of doctors and allied health workers, and granted approval for their employment.
It would be recalled that Doctors in the FCT had on Wednesday, Jan. 22, commenced a three-day warning strike to press home some demands from the FCTA due to unpaid arrears, allowances, and poor hospital conditions.
They also cited a shortage of staff and other unmet demands.
However, George Ebong, the ARD-FCT President, confirmed that six months’ salary arrears are being paid and that the Minister approved the immediate payment of allowances and recruitment of doctors.
The Minister also authorised a two-year training bond for medical residents and payment for locum doctors. With these interventions, doctors are expected to resume work, preventing a full shutdown of hospitals.
Ebong urged the Minister to address remaining concerns to prevent future strikes and expressed confidence in the Minister’s efforts to improve healthcare in the FCT.
(BusinessDay)
