The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory, has called on the government to urgently address worsening challenges in the FCT health sector, warning that continued neglect could lead to systemic collapse.At its 3rd Quarter Ordinary General Meeting held on Thursday night in Abuja, the association highlighted pressing issues including manpower shortages, non-functional equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid staff allowances.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, ARD-FCT President Dr George Ebong, alongside other executives, described the health system as a long-standing failure that requires comprehensive reform. He noted that many hospitals in the FCT are not up to modern standards, citing non-functional X-ray machines and shortages of consumables that leave dialysis patients stranded.
Ebong explained that doctors are under immense pressure, often covering multiple departments, with some relying on antidepressants to cope with the workload. He stressed that since the last major recruitment exercise in 2011, many doctors have exited the system due to retirement, death, or emigration without replacements, leaving some facilities with only one doctor handling up to 60 patients overnight.
The association also raised concerns over unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of staff, urging urgent reforms to boost morale and restore efficiency. Ebong further advised that frontline professionals be included in decision-making to ensure resources are directed toward critical needs like staffing and supplies.
To press home their demands, the association gave the FCT administration a one-week deadline to begin meaningful reforms, particularly in staffing and welfare, warning of a one-week warning strike if unmet.Responding at the meeting, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, assured that the FCT Minister’s administration is committed to strengthening healthcare delivery. She revealed that appointment letters for 60 house officers, 70 pharmacists, and 60 lab scientists would soon be issued, while outstanding allowances are being processed alongside efforts to improve health insurance and drug supply.
Source: https://punchng.com/
