STRIKING resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have challenged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to experience the conditions of public health workers and patients by using government hospitals in the state capital.
Speaking in an interview George Ebong stated: “If we are serious about improving the healthcare system, every government official should use the public hospitals. Let’s start there.”
He added, “I want to see the minister at Wuse General Hospital, the Senate President at Maitama General Hospital, and the Speaker at Iyanya General Hospital. Only then can we begin to address the issues. If they don’t use these facilities, we can’t make any progress—this is simply the truth.”
The doctors commenced a three-day warning strike today due to unpaid salaries and allowances, following a three-week ultimatum that had expired.
This action has disrupted services at government hospitals across Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya.
Ebong, the President of the resident doctors in the FCT, accused Wike and other officials of neglecting both health facilities and the welfare of healthcare workers in Abuja. He noted that while Wike has been busy with infrastructure projects, he has overlooked the dire state of health institutions, many of which are in poor conditions.
“That’s where our concerns lie. The minister has been preoccupied with roadworks and other projects, but he should also prioritize hospitals right now. We feel like we are the neglected project. No matter how many roads and bridges he builds, hospitals are the first places that need innovation and rehabilitation; they are sacred spaces that cannot be ignored,” he noted.
Ebong highlighted, “For instance, we often lack electricity, which prevents us from conducting tests over weekends. We are short on medications, non-functional scanning machines, and adequate staffing.” He noted that some hospitals in Abuja are managed by just one doctor.
Ebong noted further that many doctors have not received their salaries for six months, despite their hard work and taking on multiple responsibilities.
“We have only met the minister once since he took office, while we have been in contact with his staff. We have sent him numerous letters, and I believe he is aware of our situation,” he said.
He attributed the ongoing issues to systemic bottlenecks that hinder proper operations. “I urge the minister to ensure all wages are paid and to visit the hospitals to see their current conditions,” he pleaded.
Ebong stated that the association would evaluate the situation following the warning strike, and if no action is taken, “the congress will have no choice but to initiate an indefinite shutdown.”