Resident doctors under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration have embarked on a seven-day warning strike to protest poor working conditions and what they describe as gross negligence by relevant authorities.
The industrial action, which began earlier this week, was announced by the President of the FCT chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. George Ebong, alongside other members of the association’s executive committee.
In a press briefing, Dr. Ebong expressed deep concern over the state of healthcare facilities and the burden placed on medical personnel across the FCT. He stated that many doctors are forced to work across multiple departments due to severe understaffing, while critical infrastructure in hospitals continues to deteriorate.
“Our members are being pushed to the brink,” Dr. Ebong said. “They are overworked, under-supported, and are often made to carry the weight of an entire hospital system that is crumbling due to inaction from the authorities. This situation is no longer sustainable.”
The association noted that the strike is a warning, and unless swift action is taken to address their concerns, a full-scale industrial action may follow. According to them, the health sector in the FCT is facing structural decay that requires immediate and comprehensive reforms.
Among their demands are the recruitment of more healthcare personnel, adequate provision of medical supplies, renovations of dilapidated hospital infrastructure, and timely payment of allowances and salaries.
The doctors said they are aware of the potential impact the strike may have on patients but stressed that continued silence in the face of neglect would only worsen the situation in the long run.
The FCT Health Secretariat has yet to respond publicly to the strike.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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