The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has urged the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to expedite the implementation of their outstanding demands. This appeal was made by the President of ARD-FCT, Dr. George Ebong, during a press briefing held to commemorate the association’s health week and 30th anniversary.
Dr. Ebong expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister for approving several of their demands, but noted that many of these approvals remain unimplemented. He emphasized that the government should not wait for a strike to address the pressing issues in the health sector. The association is concerned about the lingering unemployment of doctors and other health workers, which has affected service delivery.
Specifically, the ARD-FCT is seeking the immediate payment of the hazard allowance, which has been pending for a long time. Other outstanding issues include the wage award and the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Dr. Ebong appealed to the FCT Minister to attend the upcoming scientific conference in person, as his presence would boost the morale of resident doctors in the territory.
The Chairman of the Health Week Planning Committee, Dr. Godwin Ekunke, stated that the event aims to celebrate milestones and highlight the challenges affecting healthcare delivery in the FCT. The health sector in Abuja has experienced several disruptions in recent months due to strike actions by doctors, which have paralyzed medical services in the nation’s capital.
The ARD-FCT’s appeal to the FCT Minister is a call to action to address the long-standing issues in the health sector. The association’s demands are crucial to ensuring the well-being of healthcare workers and the delivery of quality medical services to the public. The FCT Minister’s response to these demands will be closely watched, as it will have significant implications for the healthcare system in the territory. With the health week and anniversary celebrations underway, the association hopes that their concerns will be addressed promptly, and the health sector will receive the attention it deserves.
