Rita Odafe
ARD’s Ultimatum to FCT Minister
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory has given a two-week ultimatum to the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.
The doctors have stated that they will proceed with a significant shutdown of hospitals if their demands are not addressed within this period.
This announcement was made by President Dr. George Ebong during a press briefing at Wuse District Hospital in Abuja on Monday.
While expressing appreciation for the minister’s efforts in improving infrastructure in Abuja, Ebong highlighted the pressing need to support doctors who are facing severe economic struggles.
He urged the minister to prioritize human welfare in addition to his focus on infrastructure.
Ebong emphasized that the minister has a 14-day window to respond to their requests and avoid what he termed a “deadliest shutdown” of hospitals in the capital.
“First, we commend the minister for the infrastructural progress he has made since taking office.
“However, we want him to recognize that doctors are also neglected. While he addresses infrastructure, we are among the neglected human resources. We believe he has the capacity to address these issues.”
“We urge the minister to resolve the six-month salary arrears owed to our members hired in 2023 promptly.”
“Additionally, we request immediate action to ensure the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund for 2024.”
“We also seek to revise the bonding policy from six years to two years.”
“Other requests include implementing the skipping policy and issuing skipping letters to members hired in 2023, ensuring prompt payment of the 2024 accoutrements allowance, addressing the 13 months of pending hazard allowance, and accelerating the conversion of ARD FCTA Post 2 members to consultant status. Furthermore, we need a quick recruitment of healthcare workers to alleviate the staffing shortages in our hospitals.”
“This ongoing inequity is harmful to the FCT’s health sector. If not resolved, it jeopardizes the overall health system. We ask the minister to tackle these issues so that doctors can perform their duties effectively.”
“Previously, we issued a 21-day notice at our Annual General Meeting, now leaving just two weeks. We aim to prevent a shutdown that could endanger lives; it’s crucial for the minister to respond and act on these demands promptly,” he concluded.
