The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in Abuja has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, demanding urgent attention to the economic hardships faced by medical professionals in the city. Dr. George Ebong, President of the Association, commended Wike for his efforts in infrastructural development but emphasized the critical need to address the well-being of doctors who are facing severe economic challenges.
Speaking to the press in Abuja on Monday, Dr. Ebong called for a shift in focus towards human development, urging the Minister to address doctors’ welfare with the same urgency he has applied to infrastructural projects in the FCT. He highlighted that doctors are on the brink of “extinction” due to financial strain, and their situation is being overlooked amid the ongoing development initiatives.
The ARD outlined several demands to be met within the next two weeks, warning that failure to do so would result in a significant shutdown of hospitals in the nation’s capital. Key demands include the clearance of six months’ salary arrears for doctors employed in 2023, payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund for 2024, and a review of the current bonding policy, which requires doctors to stay for six years, a period the Association deems excessive.
Other urgent requests include the enforcement of the skipping policy for 2023-employed doctors, immediate payment of the 2024 accoutrements allowance, and the settlement of outstanding 13-month hazard allowance arrears. Additionally, the ARD is calling for the fast-tracking of the conversion of ARD FCTA Post 2 members to consultant status, as well as expedited recruitment to address the critical shortage of healthcare workers in FCT hospitals.
Dr. Ebong stressed that without immediate action, the nation’s healthcare system risks collapse, with dire consequences for the public. “If this injustice continues, the health sector will collapse,” he warned. “We want the minister to act swiftly to ensure that doctors can continue to provide the best care for the people.”
The ARD previously issued a 21-day ultimatum during their Annual General Meeting, leaving just 14 days for the government to address these pressing issues. The Association reiterated that failure to meet their demands would lead to the “deadliest shutdown” of healthcare services in the capital, which could result in unnecessary loss of lives.
