By Uzair Adam
The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has called off its warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
In a statement issued on Friday, the President of the Association, Dr. George Ebong, confirmed that the FCTA, under Wike’s leadership, has addressed their key demands.
The doctors had shut down all FCTA-owned hospitals on Wednesday to protest unpaid salary arrears and other unresolved issues.
However, Dr. Ebong announced that members of the association have started receiving alerts for their six-month salary arrears, prompting the decision to end the strike.
According to the statement, Minister Wike also approved and ordered immediate payment of the accoutrement allowance owed to health workers, reduced the medical residency bonding to two years, and sanctioned the immediate employment of additional doctors and allied health workers to address the acute shortage of manpower.
Furthermore, he approved and facilitated the payment of locum doctors and other health workers who were owed outstanding wages.
The association has directed its members to resume work on Saturday, January 25, 2025, averting an imminent indefinite shutdown of hospitals in the capital.
Dr. Ebong expressed appreciation for the minister’s swift response, which resolved the immediate concerns but urged him to address other outstanding demands to prevent future industrial actions.
“These demands include the payment of hazard allowances, upgrading and rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, and converting post-part 2 doctors to consultant cadre,” Dr. Ebong stated.
He further praised Wike’s commitment to transforming the health sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda and extended an invitation for the minister to visit district hospitals in the near future.
The association also reaffirmed its support for Wike’s efforts to enhance healthcare delivery in the FCT.