FCT Resident Doctors Down Tools Over Systemic Failings

In a dramatic escalation of their longstanding grievances, resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have embarked on a seven-day warning strike.

The industrial action, which commenced recently, is a culmination of years of frustration and disillusionment with the systemic challenges plaguing the FCT health sector.

At the heart of the dispute are issues of chronic underfunding, severe staff shortages, and deplorable working conditions.

These challenges, the Doctors argue, have not only compromised their welfare but also imperiled the quality of care they can provide to patients.

The Resident Doctors are demanding comprehensive reforms to address these systemic failings.

Key among their demands are the filling of critical staffing gaps, payment of outstanding residency training allowances, and improvement of working conditions in hospitals and clinics.

The strike is expected to have far-reaching consequences for healthcare delivery in the FCT, with services in Government-owned Hospitals and Clinics likely to be severely disrupted.

Patients requiring general outpatient care, specialist consultations, and in-patient services may face significant challenges in accessing the care they need.

While the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, has expressed optimism that ongoing discussions with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will yield positive outcomes.

The Doctors have given the Government a seven-day ultimatum to address their concerns.

Failure to do so, they warn, will result in an indefinite strike, further exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the territory.

As the clock ticks down, all eyes are on the FCT administration to see whether they will rise to the challenge and declare a state of emergency on the 14 district and general hospitals in the territory.

The outcome of this standoff will have far-reaching implications for the future of healthcare in the FCT.