The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed his commendation for the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-FCTA) for suspending their indefinite strike. Wike described the decision as a positive step taken in the best interests of FCT residents. The ARD-FCTA represents doctors working in the FCT’s 14 district and general hospitals, including the Department of Public Health. The doctors initiated the strike to address longstanding grievances stemming from unresolved negotiations with the FCTA. Their demands encompassed a range of issues, including the payment of salary arrears, the recruitment of new staff, and the settlement of the Medical Residency Training Fund. They also sought the payment of arrears related to the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
The minister’s commendation came during the inauguration of the Northern Parkway construction project. He acknowledged the efforts of key officials, including the Chief of Staff, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Acting Head of Service, and Special Adviser Admin, in facilitating the resolution of the strike. Wike emphasized the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing such disputes, highlighting the detrimental impact of the strike on the residents and the nation as a whole.
The ARD-FCTA announced the suspension of the strike, with doctors scheduled to resume work. While the association president acknowledged the intervention of the Senate, he clarified that none of their demands had been met at the time of the announcement. However, Minister Wike asserted that he had approved all the doctors’ demands and underscored the need for open communication and a collaborative approach between the FCTA and the ARD. He emphasized the shared responsibility of all parties involved to prioritize the welfare of the residents and the nation.
A more detailed examination of the doctors’ demands reveals the depth and breadth of their concerns. Beyond salary arrears, they also sought a clear timeline for the completion of skipping and conversion processes, rectification of erroneous salary deductions, and regularization of salary payments. The doctors also demanded the conversion of post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre within a specific timeframe, established timelines for promotion exercises with full arrears payments, and the settlement of outstanding hazard allowance arrears. The demands highlighted the importance of providing timely and accurate compensation, as well as ensuring fair and transparent promotion practices.
The doctors’ concerns also encompassed the state of healthcare facilities within the FCT. They called for the renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to meet international standards, reflecting a desire to provide quality healthcare services to the residents. This demand underscores the critical role of infrastructure and resources in enabling healthcare professionals to deliver optimal care. Furthermore, the doctors advocated for the prompt payment of salary arrears owed to newly employed external residents, highlighting the financial challenges faced by these individuals.
In summary, the suspension of the ARD-FCTA strike represents a positive development for the residents of the FCT. Minister Wike’s commendation and acknowledgement of the doctors’ demands signal a willingness to address the underlying issues affecting healthcare professionals in the region. The resolution of this dispute highlights the importance of dialogue, collaboration, and a shared commitment to providing quality healthcare services. The specific demands of the ARD-FCTA, encompassing salary arrears, staffing levels, training funds, and infrastructural improvements, underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to strengthening the healthcare system in the FCT. The long-term success of this resolution will depend on the FCTA’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and addressing the systemic issues that led to the strike in the first place. This includes ensuring timely and accurate payment of salaries, implementing transparent promotion procedures, and investing in the necessary resources to equip hospitals and attract qualified healthcare professionals. By addressing these concerns, the FCTA can create a more stable and supportive environment for healthcare workers, ultimately benefitting the residents of the FCT and contributing to a more robust healthcare system.
