FCTA resident doctors confirm partial implementation of demands, insist indefinite strike continues
The doctors, however, said the ongoing indefinite strike in solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will continue until all demands peculiar to its members are fully met.
ARD-FCTA president Dr. George Ebong disclosed this in a statement to SOCIETY WATCH on Wednesday.
The association confirmed that 28 doctors who had been owed salary arrears ranging from one month to one year were paid two nights ago.
It added that some doctors received their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), though 47 of the 150 doctors who were due for the allowance are yet to be paid.
Dr. Ebong commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as the beginning of the implementation of their demands.
However, he stressed that resolving only a portion of the issues is not enough to call off the strike.
Ebong noted that the association remains open to dialogue and acknowledged ongoing engagements with the National Assembly and FCTA management.
Two nights ago, the 28 doctors who had been owed their salary arrears for more than two years, ranging between 1 month to 6 months to 1 year, were paid.
“Also the MRTF of some doctors was also paid. Out of 150 doctors owed by the MRTF, only 103 were paid; there is a remainder of 47 doctors not yet paid.
“Salaries were also paid yesterday (Tuesday) starting from the morning time.
We are indeed grateful to the Honourable Minister for the beginning of the implementation of demands.
“These demands are very pertinent to this strike and are also the prerequisite to the suspension of this strike both at the NARD level and also at the ARD-FCTA.
“While we are grateful for the dialogues that we have been involved in at the National Assembly and the FCTA management, we hope to find a lasting solution to the lamentable situation of our healthcare system.
“Finally, the management and the government should not always wait for a strike to occur before scampering to listen to our yearning.
“Our sincere appreciation once more to the HM FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and commitment to our country as we continue to work together to ensure that we continue our commitment to the welfare of our patients while we as health professionals are not neglected (again).
