Striking resident doctors in Abuja say they will not suspend their warning strike without a signed commitment from the federal government to address unmet demands.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, says it will not suspend its ongoing seven-day warning strike unless the federal government provides a signed commitment to resolve their grievances.
Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, ARD-FCT president George Ebong said verbal assurances from authorities had repeatedly failed. “In the past, we listened to them without anything in writing. We believed their promises, but nothing was ever done. This time, everything must be documented, signed by the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, and attached to a clear timeline,” he insisted.
The doctors, who began their action on Monday, cited manpower shortages, unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and the absence of new recruitment since 2011. They also complained that non-financial demands such as promotions remain unaddressed.
Hospitals across Abuja reported stranded patients, with many redirected to other facilities. The strike is due to end on 15 September, pending government response.
Meanwhile, the national doctors’ body NARD also launched a five-day warning strike on Friday.