Healthcare services across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) were thrown into disarray on Monday after the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter (ARD-FCT), embarked on an indefinite strike. The action has forced hospitals to discharge patients and suspend routine care, with only skeletal services running in some facilities.
The strike follows the expiration of a seven-day warning strike without progress in negotiations between the doctors and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
Hospitals Deserted Across the FCT
A PREMIUM TIMES visit to Maitama, Asokoro and Wuse General Hospitals revealed deserted wards, long queues and frustrated patients.
Maitama General Hospital: Gynaecology, surgical and paediatric wards were shut; only a few patients remained in the emergency unit.
Wuse General Hospital: Waiting areas were empty, with only two doctors reportedly available at the emergency ward.
Asokoro District Hospital: Patients, including expectant mothers, were turned away from scheduled appointments.
Nyanya and Karu General Hospitals: Skeletal services; most patients unable to see doctors.
Even the emergency units — usually the busiest parts of the hospitals — were manned mostly by nurses.
Patient Voices
Patients expressed frustration at being unable to access care:
“I wasn’t aware of the strike… after so much pleading, a nurse attended to me,” said Ms. Amaka Owulo at Maitama General Hospital.
“This will be my second time coming within a week without seeing a doctor,” said Mr. Okafor at Wuse General Hospital.
“Going to a private hospital is too expensive, and here I cannot see a doctor. I am just confused,” a patient at Nyanya General Hospital lamented.
Doctors’ Grievances
ARD-FCT outlined long-standing issues:
Unpaid salaries for doctors employed since 2023.
Non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
Arrears from the 25/35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review.
Shortage of manpower, no recruitment since 2011.
Erroneous deductions and irregular salary payments.
Poor hospital infrastructure and equipment, which the union says endanger both staff and patients.
The doctors also highlighted the psychological toll of excessive working hours and the need for urgent recruitment and renovations across FCT hospitals.
Their Demands
The doctors are seeking:
Immediate payment of all outstanding salary arrears and wage awards.
Immediate recruitment of new doctors with time-bound commitments.
Payment of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears and MRTF for 2025.
Urgent renovation, equipping, and upgrading of all FCT hospitals.
ARD-FCT vowed to continue the strike “until government and management show genuine commitment to the welfare of doctors and the health of FCT residents.”
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