The association’s president, George Ebong, confirmed the development on Friday, explaining that the decision came after interventions from the Senate. He noted, however, that none of the doctors’ demands had been met.
“We are suspending the strike to begin work at 8 a.m. on Monday morning,” Ebong said, adding that the Senate Committee on Federal Territory Area Councils and Ancillary Matters, chaired by David Jimkuta, assured them that efforts would be made to engage the minister.
He stated that the congress would reconvene within the agreed timeframe to reassess the progress made and decide on further action if necessary. The doctors had embarked on strike last Monday after months of unresolved negotiations with the FCTA. Their demands include payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, immediate recruitment of new staff, settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and arrears from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
Other demands include clear timelines for completing skipping and conversion processes, correction of irregular salary payments, stoppage of erroneous deductions, payment of wage award arrears, hazard allowance arrears, and arrears owed to 2025 external residents. They also called for urgent renovation and upgrading of FCTA hospitals to globally acceptable standards.The strike, which lasted five days, crippled health services in the FCT, forcing hospitals to discharge patients and suspend routine care.
