Indefinite Strike by Resident Doctors in FCT Disrupts Healthcare Services

Strategic Insights -

Healthcare services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were severely disrupted on Monday when the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCT) embarked on an indefinite strike, forcing hospitals to discharge patients and suspend routine care. The strike was triggered by the failure of the FCT Administration (FCTA) to address long-standing concerns, including shortage of manpower, poor welfare, unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and the psychological toll of long working hours. As a result, patients were turned away from hospitals, including Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse General Hospitals, with only nurses trying to keep facilities running.

Key Takeaways:

  • The indefinite strike by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCT) has disrupted healthcare services in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), forcing hospitals to discharge patients and suspend routine care.
  • The strike was triggered by the failure of the FCT Administration (FCTA) to address long-standing concerns, including shortage of manpower, poor welfare, unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and the psychological toll of long working hours.
  • Patients were turned away from hospitals, including Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse General Hospitals, with only nurses trying to keep facilities running.
  • The doctors are demanding immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears to members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new doctors, and payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
  • The strike has highlighted the deplorable state of FCTA hospitals, with a lack of equipment, consumables, and basic functionality.
  • Patients have been forced to seek alternative care, including private hospitals, which is unaffordable for many.
  • The strike has put both doctors' and patients' lives in danger due to the avoidable stress-related deaths and lack of basic healthcare.
  • The doctors have vowed to continue the action "until government and management show genuine commitment to the welfare of doctors and the health of FCT residents."

Statistics:

  • The strike has affected over 3,000 patients across the FCT, with many more being turned away from hospitals.
  • The FCT Administration (FCTA) owes the doctors over N3.5 billion in unpaid salaries.
  • The 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) has not been disbursed, leaving doctors indebted and struggling to meet training obligations.
  • The Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review arrears amount to over N2.2 billion.
  • The recruitment of new doctors has been on hold since 2011, exacerbating the manpower crisis in the FCT.

Sources:

  • Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCT)
  • Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)
  • PREMIUM TIMES
  • National Hospital Association (NHA)