The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has urged FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to address their demands or risk an unprecedented shutdown of hospitals within 14 days.
Dr. George Ebong, ARD President, issued this warning on Monday during a press conference held at Wuse District Hospital, Abuja. While commending the minister for his ongoing infrastructural advancements in the FCT, Ebong emphasized the pressing need to prioritize the welfare of doctors who are grappling with severe economic challenges.
Ebong highlighted the dire situation faced by healthcare workers, describing doctors as “human abandoned projects” that require the same attention given to infrastructure. He called on the minister to extend his development efforts to include the healthcare sector, which is critical for the well-being of FCT residents.
“We must commend the minister for the significant strides in infrastructure since he assumed office,” Ebong stated. “However, while he works on abandoned infrastructural projects, we, the doctors, have become abandoned human projects. We believe the minister has the capacity to address this challenge.”
He stressed the urgency of the matter, warning that if the demands are not met within the stipulated 14-day period, the ARD will be left with no choice but to initiate what he termed the “deadliest shutdown” of hospitals in the nation’s capital. The move, he explained, would be a last resort to draw attention to their plight and ensure meaningful action is taken.
The ARD’s demands highlight the need for comprehensive human development policies alongside infrastructural investments to maintain a functional and effective healthcare system.