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Resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) under the Association of Resident Doctors have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, warning of an impending “deadliest shutdown” of hospitals if their demands are not addressed.
Speaking at a press conference held at Wuse District Hospital in Abuja on Monday, the association’s president, Dr. George Ebong, emphasized the urgency of their demands while commending the minister’s efforts in improving Abuja’s infrastructure.
He called on Wike to extend the same focus to the welfare of medical professionals, describing the doctors as “human abandoned projects” facing severe economic challenges.
The association’s demands include:
Payment of six months’ salary arrears for members employed in 2023.
Settlement of the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Reduction of the bonding policy from six years to two years.
Enforcement of “skipping” implementation and issuance of related letters for 2023 hires.
Payment of the 2024 accoutrements allowance.
Settlement of 13 months’ outstanding hazard allowance arrears.
Acceleration of promotions to consultant positions for qualified members and expedited hiring of healthcare workers to address staff shortages.
Dr. Ebong stressed that these issues, if left unresolved, could lead to the collapse of the FCT health sector.
He warned that the planned shutdown could result in significant loss of life and urged the minister to act swiftly to avoid the crisis.
The ultimatum follows an earlier 21-day warning issued at the association’s Annual General Meeting, leaving just two weeks for the minister to intervene.