ABUJA – Relief swept through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday as doctors under the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FCTA Chapter, called off a three-day warning strike just hours after it began, sparing residents from prolonged disruption to healthcare services.
The strike was launched in protest over the dismissal of 127 healthcare workers, which the Association described as arbitrary and unjust. According to the doctors, the FCT Civil Service Commission wrongfully labeled the affected staff as abscondees and removed them from the federal payment platform without due consultation.
“These dismissals were carried out without any input from the FCT Health Management Board or the relevant professional bodies,” the ARD stated in a communique issued after an emergency meeting. “We demand the immediate resignation of the Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission for undermining staff welfare and proper administrative protocol.”
The Association also urged the Hospital Management Board to issue a public disclaimer affirming the employment status of the affected workers, whom they said had continued to discharge their duties diligently.
The decision to suspend the strike was taken to allow time for the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, to intervene and facilitate a peaceful resolution.
“We sincerely appreciate the Honourable Minister’s transformative efforts in FCT infrastructure,” the ARD said. “We urge him to channel similar energy toward resolving the critical issues threatening the health sector.”
While commending Wike for approving the recruitment of 315 healthcare professionals, the doctors expressed concern that the hiring process has yet to be executed.
The strike suspension was welcomed by residents, many of whom are still reeling from the effects of a recent industrial action by primary healthcare workers in the six FCT area councils.
Healthcare stakeholders are now urging the FCTA to act swiftly and decisively to avoid another shutdown in the already strained health sector.
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