The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory has started a seven-day warning strike, saying the FCT health system has collapsed and needs urgent reform.
The doctors announced the strike in a communique signed by their president, Dr George Ebong, and other executive members.
Ebong said doctors were under unbearable pressure, often forced to cover several departments due to a shortage of staff.
“The FCT health system is a long-standing systemic failure requiring comprehensive and immediate reform,” he said. “We cannot continue to work under these conditions without risking total collapse of the system.”
The association listed manpower shortages, broken equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid allowances as some of the problems. They also complained of unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of those promoted.
Ebong insisted that doctors on the frontline must be part of decision-making if reforms are to work. He warned that if the government fails to act within one week, the strike could escalate.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isaq Salako, said talks were ongoing with the National Association of Resident Doctors and expressed optimism that the strike would
