Threat to Shut Down Hospitals Over Unmet Demands
Resident doctors in Abuja, under the banner of the Federal Capital Territory Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), have issued a stern ultimatum to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. They have given him 14 days to address their grievances or face a complete shutdown of hospital services.
Doctors Highlight Neglect Amid Infrastructure Praise
In a statement released on Monday, ARD President George Ebong praised Wike for his efforts in developing Abuja’s infrastructure but criticized the apparent neglect of the medical community. “While he fixes the infrastructural abandoned project, we are the human abandoned projects,” Ebong remarked, highlighting a perceived disparity in attention between physical development and human capital in healthcare.
Urgent Call for Action to Prevent Health Sector Collapse
Ebong warned that continued “injustice” towards doctors is “alien to FCT” and could precipitate a collapse of the nation’s health sector. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We don’t want the deadliest shutdown that may lead to loss of lives; it is important that the minister listen and act on demand without delays.”
List of Demands Presented to Wike
The demands laid out by the ARD include:
- Clearing six months of salary arrears for doctors employed in 2023.
- Immediate payment of the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund.
- Reducing the bonding policy from six years to two years.
- Enforcement of “skipping” and issuance of skipping letters for 2023 hires.
- Immediate payment of 2024 accouterments allowance.
- Clearing 13 months of hazard allowance arrears.
- Speeding up the conversion of ARD FCTA post two members to consultants.
- Expediting employment processes for healthcare workers to address shortages in FCT hospitals.
Optimism Amidst Threat of Disruption
Despite the serious nature of the ultimatum, Ebong expressed a belief in Wike’s ability to address these issues, suggesting that with the right focus, the minister could avert the potential crisis in the health sector. This move by the doctors underscores the growing tension between healthcare workers and government officials, spotlighting the need for immediate action to ensure the well-being and effectiveness of medical services in Abuja.
