A Capital Crisis: Abuja Hospitals Discharge Patients as Doctors Launch Indefinite Strike

A Capital Crisis: Abuja Hospitals Discharge Patients as Doctors Launch Indefinite Strike.

A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the heart of Nigeria as public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have begun discharging patients.

The action follows the commencement of an indefinite strike by the Association of Resident Doctors in the FCT Administration (ARD-FCTA) on Monday, September 15, 2025. The strike, which was launched after a seven-day warning period, has left vulnerable patients, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly, stranded and without access to essential medical care.

The Toll on Patients and Hospitals

A visit to major FCT hospitals like Wuse, Asokoro, and Maitama District Hospitals revealed a grim picture. Wards that typically serve critical patients—including female medical, gynaecology, paediatric, and surgical wards—have been emptied and locked. While a handful of consultant doctors and nurses are attempting to provide skeletal services, the absence of resident doctors has created a critical manpower shortage, leaving many patients unattended.

Desperate families recounted their ordeal. A mother, Mrs. Juliet Chima, lamented that her five-year-old daughter was left without care for a persistent stomach ailment, despite having paid for hospital services.

“Going to a private clinic is expensive, and I can’t afford it,” she said, highlighting the plight of many who rely on public healthcare. Another woman waited in vain with her eight-year-old daughter who was shivering, while a 69-year-old man was turned back from his general medical check-up for the second time.

Doctors’ Demands: A Longstanding Crisis

The indefinite strike is a culmination of months of unresolved negotiations between the doctors and the FCTA management. In a communique signed by ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong, the doctors detailed a long list of grievances, pointing to systemic neglect and a lack of genuine commitment from the government.

Key demands of the striking doctors include:

Payment of Arrears: Immediate payment of outstanding salaries, with some members owed between one to six months’ pay since 2023. They also demand the payment of arrears from the 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and outstanding hazard allowance.

Manpower and Recruitment: Immediate recruitment of new staff to address the severe manpower shortage, which has left existing doctors overstretched and at risk of burnout.

Welfare and Professional Development: Settlement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of wage award arrears, and clear timelines for promotion exercises and the conversion of Post-Part II Fellows to the Consultant cadre.

Infrastructure and Management: Renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to meet world-class standards and an end to erroneous salary deductions and irregular salary payments.