The healthcare system in the Federal Capital Territory is on the brink of disaster as the Association of Resident Doctors of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) declares an indefinite strike commencing at the stroke of midnight on Saturday! This shocking move is fueled by unresolved welfare issues and administrative failures that have plagued these dedicated professionals for far too long. The announcement, made in a letter to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, and signed by ARD-FCTA's President, Dr. George Ebong, and General Secretary, Dr. Agbor Affiong, has sent shockwaves through the healthcare community.

This strike mirrors the declaration from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), whose members are also set to walk off the job at the same time! In a dramatic display of unity, the ARD-FCTA has boldly pledged to maintain their strike even if NARD decides to back down. This could spell catastrophe for the already crumbling healthcare delivery system, as resident doctors constitute a large portion of the workforce in public hospitals across the territory!

In a recent emergency congress meeting, the ARD-FCTA's members voted unanimously to join NARD in this action, citing long-standing grievances that have been ignored by authorities for too long. With doctors representing 14 hospitals, including key public health departments, the implications of this strike could be dire, potentially leaving countless patients without much-needed medical care.

The letter issued by ARD-FCTA explicitly details their demands, which are nothing short of urgent! They are demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears for all members employed since 2023 and a commitment to recruit new doctors without delay! But that's not all! They also want swift payment for the Medical Residency Training Fund and a host of other critical financial adjustments that have been long overdue.

The situation is escalating, as the doctors are also calling for the rectification of erroneous salary deductions and a timeline for vital promotions. They’re demanding that post-Part II fellows be swiftly converted to the consultant cadre and that all promotion timelines be released with prompt payment of any due arrears. Could this be the end of stability in our healthcare system?

As the clock ticks down to the strike, the tension is palpable. Patients are bracing themselves for what could be a monumental disruption in medical services, leaving many to wonder how this will impact their access to essential care. The healthcare community is holding its breath as the situation evolves, with major consequences looming for both healthcare workers and the citizens who depend on them.