Striking resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Senate President Godswill Akpabio to experience the conditions of government hospitals in the nation’s capital firsthand. They believe this will help them understand the challenges faced by public health workers and patients.
“If we are ready to fix the healthcare system in this country, I would think that every government official must use the government hospitals. Let’s start with that,” said George Ebong, President of the resident doctors in the FCT, on Wednesday. He added, “I would like to see the minister use Wuse General Hospital. I would like to see the Senate President use Maitama General Hospital. I would like to see the Speaker use Iyanya General Hospital. Then, we can start to fix the system. If they don’t use it, then we can’t fix it. I’m sorry but that’s the truth.”
The doctors began a three-day warning strike on Wednesday over unpaid salaries and allowances, among other issues, following the expiration of a three-week ultimatum. This strike has disrupted activities at government hospitals across Abuja, including Wuse, Asokoro, Maitama, Kubwa, Zuba, Kwali, Abaji, and Nyanya.
Ebong accused Wike and other government officials of neglecting health facilities and workers’ welfare in Abuja. He acknowledged Wike’s efforts in fixing roads but criticized the abandonment of health institutions, many of which are in deplorable condition. “That’s just where we have our concerns. The minister has been very busy with projects, fixing roads, and all of that. We feel that he should also focus on the hospitals right now. We feel that we are the human abandoned project. No matter the things he does by fixing roads and bridges, the hospitals are the very first point of innovation and rehabilitation. They are hallowed ground; he cannot neglect them,” Ebong said.
He highlighted the lack of electricity, drugs, scan machines, and sufficient manpower in hospitals, with some hospitals being manned by only one doctor. Ebong also mentioned that many doctors have not been paid their six months’ salaries despite working diligently and taking on multiple responsibilities.
“When he (Wike) first became the minister, that was the only time we’ve met him, but we’ve met everyone that works under him. We’ve sent him a series of letters, and I am sure he is aware,” Ebong said. He blamed systemic bottlenecks for the inefficiencies and urged the minister to ensure that all wages are paid and to visit the hospitals to see their current state.
The association plans to reassess the situation after the warning strike. If no progress is made, Ebong warned that the congress might have no choice but to initiate an indefinite shutdown.