Indefinite Strike Paralyzes Healthcare Services in FCT as Doctors Protest Poor Welfare, Salaries

Strategic Insights -

Healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) came to a grinding halt on Monday as the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter (ARD-FCT) embarked on an indefinite strike, forcing hospitals to discharge patients and suspend routine care. The doctors' action is a result of long-standing grievances, including shortage of manpower, poor welfare, unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and the psychological toll of long working hours.

The indefinite strike, which was preceded by a seven-day warning strike, has left patients and health services in disarray. Hospitals across the FCT, including Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse General Hospitals, have been severely affected, with patients unable to access treatment. At Maitama General Hospital, most departments were empty, with only a handful of patients seen within the facility. Nurses were observed moving across wards, but doctors' absence was conspicuous.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter (ARD-FCT) has embarked on an indefinite strike due to long-standing grievances, including shortage of manpower, poor welfare, unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and the psychological toll of long working hours.
  • Patients have been unable to access treatment, with hospitals across the FCT, including Maitama, Asokoro, and Wuse General Hospitals, severely affected.
  • The doctors are demanding the immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears to members employed since 2023, as well as the immediate recruitment of new doctors and the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for doctors' medical training.
  • The doctors are also requesting the immediate stoppage of all erroneous deductions and correction of irregular salary payments, as well as the urgent renovation, equipping, and upgrading of all FCTA hospitals to globally acceptable standards.
  • The doctors' communique highlighted several grievances, including persistent and unexplained deductions, irregular salary payments, and delays in promotion exercises.

Statistics:

  • 2023: The year in which the doctors' salary arrears began.
  • 25/35 per cent: The percentage increase in CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) review.
  • 2025: The year in which the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) was established.
  • 2025 (exact date not specified): The year in which the doctors' MRTF was withheld, leaving them indebted.
  • Over 1 year: The duration since the FCT hospitals have not recruited new doctors.
  • Dozens: The number of patients left stranded at Maitama General Hospital due to the strike.

Sources:

  • "Doctors in FCT Embark on Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries, Poor Welfare" - Premium Times (2025)
  • "ARD-FCT Communique on 7-Day Warning Strike" - Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter (ARD-FCT) (exact date not specified)