Doctors appeal to FCT Minister Wike over pending demands

The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD‑FCT) has urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to expedite the implementation of their outstanding demands. The appeal was made by ARD‑FCT President Dr George Ebong during a press briefing that marked the association’s health week and 30th anniversary. Dr Ebong thanked the minister for approving several of their requests but noted that many of those approvals remain unimplemented. He stressed that the government should not wait for a strike to address the pressing issues in the health sector.

The association is particularly concerned about the lingering unemployment of doctors and other health workers, which has adversely affected service delivery. ARD‑FCT is seeking the immediate payment of the hazard allowance, which has been pending for a long time, as well as resolution of the wage award and an upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Dr Ebong also appealed to the minister to attend the upcoming scientific conference in person, saying his presence would boost the morale of resident doctors in the territory.

Chairman of the Health Week Planning Committee, Dr Godwin Ekunke, explained that the event aims to celebrate milestones and highlight challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the FCT. Recent months have seen several disruptions in Abuja’s health sector due to doctors’ strike actions, which have paralyzed medical services in the nation’s capital. The ARD‑FCT’s appeal to the minister is therefore a call to action to address these long‑standing issues.

The association’s demands are crucial for ensuring the well‑being of healthcare workers and the delivery of quality medical services to the public. The minister’s response will be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the territory’s healthcare system. With health week and anniversary celebrations underway, the association hopes its concerns will be addressed promptly and that the health sector will receive the attention it deserves.