Resident Doctors to Strike Over Snake-Infested FCT Hospitals

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has declared a seven-day warning strike, citing deplorable hospital conditions, inadequate equipment, and snake infestations in public health facilities.

George Ebong, ARD FCT president, told journalists on Monday that some doctors have died from snake bites while on duty, adding that the work environment has left medical personnel mentally exhausted.

“The strike will last seven days, and all our demands must be met before we return to work. We have been patient for years, but nothing has been done,” he said.

In a communique issued after a meeting on September 5, 2025, ARD FCT listed twelve key resolutions, including:

Immediate payment of salary arrears for doctors employed in 2023.

Urgent recruitment of new doctors to address the manpower crisis.

Payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

Rectification of irregular salary payments and erroneous deductions.

Clear timelines for promotions and conversions to consultant positions.

Payment of outstanding hazard allowances and wage award arrears.

Renovation and equipping of FCTA hospitals to acceptable standards.

The strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. Monday, September 8, and run until 8:00 a.m. Monday, September 15, after which the association will reassess the government’s response.