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Physicians

Resident Doctors in FCT Embark on One-Week Warning Strike Over Welfare Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Residents of Abuja under the umbrella of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) have commenced a one-week warning strike in protest of their welfare concerns. The strike is a result of non-payment of salary arrears, lack of recruitment of new staff, non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), and other issues that have caused stress and financial hardship for the doctors. The strike notice was signed by ARD-FCTA's President, Dr. George Ebong, and other executive members, highlighting the urgent need for the FCT Administration to address the concerns of the doctors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) has commenced a one-week warning strike in protest of welfare concerns, including non-payment of salary arrears and lack of recruitment of new staff.
  • The strike affects doctors practicing in 14 district and general hospitals in the FCT, including the Department of Public Health under the FCT Administration.
  • The doctors are owed salary arrears ranging from one to six months, with the majority of them employed since 2023.
  • The non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) has subjected members to severe financial hardship, forcing many to borrow heavily to register for examinations and courses.
  • The doctors are also affected by the lack of payment for the 25/35 per cent upward review of CONMESS, which has been implemented by the Federal Government for its staff.
  • The skip policy for members employed in 2023 has not been implemented, along with related arrears, which may create greater challenges in the near future.
  • The promotion exercise for members who have been due since 2023 to 2025 has not commenced, and accrued allowances for 2025 are also largely unpaid.
  • Newly qualified fellows, some of whom passed their Part II examinations over five years ago, have still not been advanced to the consultant cadre.
  • The wage award to members has not been paid, along with 13 months' hazard allowance arrears.
  • The doctors have demanded the urgent renovation, equipping, and upgrading of hospitals in the FCT to world-class standards.

Statistics:

  • The strike affects doctors practicing in 14 district and general hospitals in the FCT.
  • The non-payment of salary arrears ranges from one to six months, with the majority of doctors employed since 2023.
  • The doctors are owed a total of several months of salary arrears.
  • The Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 is still unpaid, affecting many doctors who have had to borrow heavily to register for examinations and courses.
  • The non-payment of the 25/35 per cent upward review of CONMESS has affected many doctors who have not received their rightful compensation.
  • The promotion exercise for members who have been due since 2023 to 2025 has not commenced, affecting many doctors who are eligible for promotion.

Sources:

  • ARD-FCTA's President, Dr. George Ebong
  • The FCT Administration
  • Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA)
  • Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
  • Federal Government

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