Striking resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to use government hospitals in the capital to better understand the challenges faced by public health workers and patients.
George Ebong, President of the FCT Resident Doctors Association, made the demand during a televised interview on Wednesday. He challenged the government officials to experience the state of public health facilities firsthand.
“If we are serious about fixing the healthcare system, I believe every government official should use the government hospitals. Let’s start with that,” Ebong said. “I would like to see the minister use Wuse General Hospital, the Senate President at Maitama General Hospital, and the Speaker at Iyanya General Hospital. Only then can we begin to address the system. If they don’t use it, we can’t fix it,” he added.
The call came as the doctors launched a three-day warning strike over unpaid salaries and allowances, following the expiration of a three-week ultimatum. The strike has brought activities in government hospitals across Abuja to a halt, affecting facilities in Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, Nyanya, and others.
Ebong criticized Wike and other government officials for neglecting the state of health facilities and the welfare of workers in Abuja. He pointed out that while Wike has been focused on infrastructure projects like road repairs, the healthcare sector has been left in dire conditions.
“The minister has been busy fixing roads and other projects, but the hospitals, the very first point of care for the public, are neglected,” Ebong said. “We feel like we are the abandoned project. No matter how many roads and bridges are fixed, the hospitals should be a priority right now.”
The resident doctors’ leader highlighted critical issues such as frequent power outages, lack of essential medical supplies, non-functional equipment, and understaffing. He mentioned that some hospitals in the FCT have only one doctor handling multiple responsibilities.
Ebong also emphasized that many doctors have not been paid for up to six months despite their hard work under challenging conditions. He revealed that although the association had met with Wike and sent multiple letters to him, there had been no resolution of the issues.
“I urge the minister to ensure that all wages are paid and to visit the hospitals to see their state for himself,” Ebong said. “If the situation does not improve after this warning strike, our congress may have no choice but to proceed with an indefinite shutdown.”
