The FCT Doctors Indefinite Strike has officially commenced as resident doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) in Abuja downed tools on Monday. The union declared the action after a seven-day warning strike failed to yield results, citing unpaid allowances, shortage of medical staff, and poor welfare conditions as key reasons for the indefinite industrial action.

What They Are Asking For:

The Association of Resident Doctors, FCT (ARD-FCT) released a communique signed by its President, Dr. George Ebong, and General-Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, stating that the strike is a result of unresolved issues that had been in negotiation for months.

Their demands cover both financial and non-financial concerns, including but not limited to:

• Payment of salary arrears (some members reportedly unpaid since 2023)
• Outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) entitlements
• Unexplained deductions from salaries and irregular salary payments.
• Delays in promotions, skipped career-progress steps, especially for doctors passing relevant exams or fellowships
• Acute manpower shortage in FCT hospitals and district/general hospitals, causing overload on the few doctors available
• Poor working conditions, including lack of functional hospital equipment, supplies, and hospitals in deteriorated states.