FCTA resident doctors confirm partial implementation of demands, insist indefinite strike continues

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The payment of certain unpaid salary arrears and allowances to its members has been confirmed by the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA).

However, the physicians stated that they will not end their indefinite strike in support of the Nigerian Association of Resident physicians until all of their members’ unique demands are satisfied.

Dr. George Ebong, president of ARD-FCTA, revealed this to ZINGTIE on Wednesday.

28 doctors who had salary arrears ranging from one month to a year were paid two nights ago, according to confirmation from the group.

It further stated that although 47 of the 150 doctors who were eligible for the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) had not yet received their payments, other doctors have got their MRTF.

Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, was praised by Dr. Ebong for what he called the start of their requests being implemented.

He emphasized, nevertheless, that ending the strike would not be possible if only some of the problems were resolved.

Ebong acknowledged continued interactions with the National Assembly and FCTA administration and stated that the association is still willing to have discussions.

“Two nights ago, the 28 doctors who had been owed their salary arrears for more than two years, ranging between 1 month to 6 months to 1 year, were paid.

“Also the MRTF of some doctors was also paid. Out of 150 doctors owed by the MRTF, only 103 were paid; there is a remainder of 47 doctors not yet paid.

“Salaries were also paid yesterday (Tuesday) starting from the morning time.

“We are indeed grateful to the Honourable Minister for the beginning of the implementation of demands.

“These demands are very pertinent to this strike and are also the prerequisite to the suspension of this strike both at the NARD level and also at the ARD-FCTA.

“While we are grateful for the dialogues that we have been involved in at the National Assembly and the FCTA management, we hope to find a lasting solution to the lamentable situation of our healthcare system.

“Finally, the management and the government should not always wait for a strike to occur before scampering to listen to our yearning.

“Our sincere appreciation once more to the HM FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and commitment to our country as we continue to work together to ensure that we continue our commitment to the welfare of our patients while we as health professionals are not neglected (again).

“However, the indefinite strike will continue until the rest of our demands are met,” he stated.

The group listed a number of requirements that must be fulfilled in order for the strike to be suspended under the FCTA and at the national level (NARD). These consist of:

Immediate payment of MRTF for the remaining 47 doctors.

Payment of salaries owed to external resident doctors for 6–7 months.

Settlement of longstanding skipping arrears.

Payment of overdue promotion arrears.

Payment of post-Part II conversion arrears.

Implementation of the CONMESS 25 percent /35 percent adjustment is already in effect in federal institutions.

Payment of the approved wage award.

Settlement of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears dating back to 2021.

Immediate employment of additional healthcare workers.

Improvement of working conditions across FCTA health facilities.

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