Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to experience the realities of the public healthcare system by seeking treatment at government hospitals in Abuja. Speaking on a monitored program, George Ebong, President of the resident doctors in the FCT, stated, “If we truly want to fix the healthcare system, government officials must use public hospitals. Let the minister try Wuse General Hospital, the Senate President go to Maitama General Hospital, and the Speaker visit Nyanya General Hospital. If they don’t use these facilities, we can’t fix them. That’s the truth.”
The doctors commenced a three-day warning strike on Wednesday over issues including unpaid salaries and allowances, following the expiration of a three-week ultimatum. The strike has disrupted services in government hospitals across Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya.
Ebong criticized Wike and other officials for neglecting the welfare of health workers and the deplorable state of health facilities in the FCT. While acknowledging Wike’s efforts in infrastructure projects like road construction, he lamented that hospitals, as critical institutions, have been sidelined.
According to Ebong, many hospitals face severe challenges, including a lack of electricity, inadequate drugs, broken diagnostic equipment, and insufficient staff, with some facilities being manned by just one doctor. He further disclosed that some doctors have been working tirelessly without receiving their salaries for six months, taking on responsibilities far beyond their capacity.
The association expressed frustration at the bureaucratic delays hindering progress and urged Wike to prioritize the payment of wages and visit the hospitals to witness their deteriorating state firsthand. Ebong warned that if the issues remain unresolved after the warning strike, the association might resort to an indefinite shutdown.
RELATED: Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike at UNIMEDTH Over Poor Working Conditions
