The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) branch has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the National Hospital Abuja (NHA), threatening a full-scale strike if three dismissed doctors are not reinstated. The doctors, previously employed as locum consultants for three years, were allegedly terminated without justification, a move the NMA FCT deems as “selective victimisation.” The ultimatum, delivered via a memo to the NHA’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, outlines the escalating actions planned by the NMA should their demands not be met. The strike is set to commence on June 30, 2025, initially involving only NMA members at the National Hospital. However, if the dismissed doctors are not reinstated within seven days of the strike’s commencement, the action will expand to encompass all NMA members within the FCT, significantly amplifying the potential impact on healthcare services in the region.
The NMA FCT’s memo details a series of prior attempts to resolve the issue amicably, including advocacy visits by the national NMA President, Dr. Bala M. Audu, and the FCT chairman, along with a dedicated high-level advocacy committee. These efforts, aimed at persuading the NHA management to reconsider their decision, proved unsuccessful, prompting the escalation to a strike ultimatum. The NMA asserts that the dismissals exacerbate the existing challenges plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including the ongoing exodus of medical professionals abroad, contributing to understaffing, increased workloads, and deteriorating mental health among remaining doctors. The fear of unjust termination, coupled with the existing pressures, further contributes to anxiety, reduced productivity, and financial insecurity among healthcare professionals.
The NMA FCT emphasizes that they view the dismissals as symptomatic of broader issues within the Nigerian health sector, highlighting the strain on the system due to medical professionals seeking opportunities overseas. This “brain drain” phenomenon leaves remaining doctors burdened with heavier workloads and increased stress, ultimately negatively impacting the quality of patient care and further demoralizing the healthcare workforce. The NMA FCT argues that the dismissal of these three doctors not only represents an injustice to the individuals involved but also contributes to the larger, systemic problems facing the Nigerian healthcare system. The ultimatum, therefore, serves as a call for action not only to address the specific case of the dismissed doctors but also to bring attention to the wider context of healthcare worker welfare and retention within Nigeria.
The ultimatum also highlights the NMA’s concern about the precedent this dismissal sets, creating an environment of insecurity and fear among doctors who may now be hesitant to voice concerns or advocate for better working conditions. This chilling effect could further contribute to the exodus of skilled medical professionals, exacerbating the existing brain drain and weakening the Nigerian healthcare system. By taking a firm stance against these dismissals, the NMA FCT aims to protect the rights of their members and promote a more equitable and sustainable healthcare environment within the region. The looming strike represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tension between healthcare workers and hospital management, underscoring the urgent need for constructive dialogue and solutions to address the systemic challenges facing the healthcare sector.
The NMA’s decision to issue a strike ultimatum underscores the gravity of the situation and the organization’s commitment to advocating for its members’ rights and the overall well-being of the healthcare system. The ultimatum serves as a final plea to the NHA management to reconsider their decision and reinstate the dismissed doctors. Furthermore, it serves as a broader call to address the underlying systemic issues plaguing the Nigerian healthcare sector, including the brain drain, understaffing, and inadequate working conditions. The potential for a widespread strike involving all NMA members in the FCT carries significant implications for the region’s healthcare services, placing added pressure on the NHA to engage in meaningful dialogue and find a resolution that addresses the concerns of the medical professionals.
The NMA FCT’s ultimatum brings to light the complex challenges facing the Nigerian healthcare sector. The dispute over the dismissed doctors is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of broader systemic issues that require urgent attention. The potential strike poses a serious threat to healthcare access and delivery in the FCT, highlighting the need for swift action and a commitment from all stakeholders to find a sustainable solution. The NMA FCT’s firm stance reflects the increasing frustration and concern among healthcare professionals about the current state of the healthcare system and underscores the critical need for meaningful dialogue and collaboration to ensure the long-term health and well-being of both healthcare workers and the population they serve.
