The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has called on the Federal Government to urgently tackle escalating challenges in the health sector, warning that neglect could trigger systemic collapse.
Concluding its 3rd Quarter Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Abuja, the association demanded immediate intervention on manpower shortages, broken equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid staff allowances.
FCT ARD President, Dr George Ebong, supported by executive members, described the capital’s health system as a product of “long-standing systemic failure” requiring swift reform.
He emphasised that FCT doctors face immense pressure, often covering several departments at once.
Ebong urged the FCT Administration to prioritise workforce development, recalling that the last major recruitment in 2011 had not been followed by replacements for doctors lost to retirement, death, or emigration.
The association further condemned unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of upgraded staff, urging government to act quickly to restore morale and service delivery.
Ebong insisted that decision-making must involve frontline health professionals to ensure effective solutions.
To highlight the urgency, ARD-FCT gave the administration a one-week ultimatum to initiate meaningful reforms on staffing and welfare, warning it would embark on a one-week warning strike if demands were ignored.
In response, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, reaffirmed the FCT Minister’s commitment to strengthening health services.
She disclosed that appointment letters for 60 house officers, 70 pharmacists, and 60 laboratory scientists would soon be issued to ease the burden on existing staff.