KEY POINTS
- Doctors protested dismissal of 127 health workers and unpaid wages.
- FCT Administration reinstated staff and began salary disbursement.
- Full strike threat remains if remaining demands aren’t addressed.
Having partially resolved the grievances of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the agency has ended its warning strike of Wednesday.
It started on Tuesday to protest the sacking of 127 health workers and non-payment of salaries. The association also asked FCT Civil Service Commission Chairman Dr. Emeka Ezeh to resign.
FCT administration responds to demands
ARD president, Dr. George Ebong, said the government had reinstated the dismissed workers and paid part of the outstanding wages. He said he expected more payments as soon as the administration takes action.
FCT minister Nyesom Wike and his team, headed by Health Mandate Secretary Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe and Chief of Staff Chidi Amadi, were commended for bringing the crisis to a quick resolution.
Full strike still possible
The ARD said there had been progress but warned that failing to meet the remaining demands by Friday could result in a full scale strike.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory has officially suspended its three-day warning strike.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD President, confirmed the strike’s suspension on Wednesday after an emergency virtual meeting of members. According to him, the resolution followed the FCT Administration’s reinstatement of dismissed staff and partial salary payments.
He further disclosed that the FCT administration made a written commitment to resolve the outstanding salary issues and reassess employment grievances in collaboration with union representatives.
“We called off the warning strike after some of our demands were met. Most of our members have received their unpaid salaries and have been reinstated,” Dr. Ebong said.
He added that continued dialogue with the authorities will be crucial in averting future disruptions. We strongly hope that the rest of the members affected are paid by tomorrow to prevent further disruption of work in the health sector, he added.
He thanked FCT Health Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, and Chief of Staff to the FCT Minister, Chidi Amadi, for their swift intervention. The ARD emphasized that it remains committed to advocating for the welfare and rights of medical personnel in the capital.
