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  • Just in: Resident Doctors in FCT embark on seven-day warning strike

    Just in: Resident Doctors in FCT embark on seven-day warning strike

    The Association of Resident Doctors on Monday began a seven b-day warning strike.

    NARD revealed this in a communique issued by its President, Dr George Ebong, joined by other executive members.

    The resident doctors described the FCT health system as a long-standing systemic failure requiring comprehensive and immediate reform, reports Channels TV.

    Ebong stressed that doctors in the FCT were under immense pressure, frequently covering multiple departments.

    He called on the federal government to urgently address rising challenges in the health sector, warning that continued neglect could cause systemic collapse.

    The association also demanded urgent intervention in areas like manpower shortages, non-functional equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid staff allowances.

    NARD also raised concerns over unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of promoted staff, urging the government to act swiftly to boost healthcare worker morale and restore service efficiency.

    Ebong further advised that decision-making must include frontline health professionals.

    To underscore the urgency, the association gave the FCT administration a one-week deadline to begin meaningful reforms, especially on staffing and welfare, warning of a one-week warning strike if unmet.

    Talks Ongoing – FG

    Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isaq Salako, has expressed confidence that the federal government’s ongoing talks with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will prevent the strike.

    “The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing, we had a meeting on Monday; we are making progress,” he said.

    According to him, the main issue is the outstanding residency training allowance, about 40 per cent of which for 2025 is yet to be paid.

    He, however, assured that discussions are underway to resolve the matter.

    When asked if the government could guarantee a resolution before the ultimatum expires, Salako added, “That is my hope, and that is what we are working on.”

  • Doctors to begin nationwide strike after ultimatum

    Doctors to begin nationwide strike after ultimatum

    As the 21-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government draws to a close on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association has warned it will ground medical services nationwide if the government fails to meet its demands.

    Its President, Prof Bala Audu, who confirmed this in an exclusive interview The Punch on Sunday, noted that the association was prepared to take decisive action should the government fail to respond adequately to its demands.

    Prof Audu stressed that the association’s demands were critical to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the welfare of medical professionals across the country.

    The NMA had, on July 2, issued an ultimatum in protest against a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission on revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service, which the doctors kicked against for violating prior agreements.

    The association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw the circular and meet its other demands to avert industrial action in the health sector.

    “We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he said.

    According to him, the circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals.

    “We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he stated.

    Prof Audu disclosed that the NMA had been engaging with the Federal Government to avert a crisis.

    “The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well.

    “The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA.

    “However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week, unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held.

    “However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he added.

    The NMA president expressed concern that time was running out, adding that unless the meeting was held within the next few days, the association may be left with no other alternative but industrial action.

    “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands.

    “If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he added.

    The Katsina State NMA branch, in a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting, expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over the circular.

    The meeting, held in Katsina, on Saturday, noted that “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”

    The communique, made available to newsmen on Sunday, was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr Muhammadu Sani and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu.

    The association warned that it could not guarantee non-disruption of health services if their demands were not met.

  • Wike orders crackdown on illegal hospitals, quack doctors in FCT

    Wike orders crackdown on illegal hospitals, quack doctors in FCT

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed a total clampdown on unregistered hospitals and quack medical personnel operating in the FCT.

    Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the minister disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    Olayinka explained that the minister gave the directive while reacting to the death of a pregnant woman at a private health facility located in Durumi, Abuja, following a caesarean section.

    According to him, the minister has warned that anyone found operating an illegal facility or working in an unregistered health facility should be arrested and prosecuted.

    He said it was unfortunate that despite the free registration of pregnant women into the Federal Capital Territory Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), most pregnant women were still not taking advantage of the scheme.

    “In the FCT, vulnerable persons, including pregnant women, enjoy free enrollment into the FHIS.

    “This allows them free access to all services covered in the Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, through the Primary Health Care  centres.

    “Also, in alignment with the Federal Government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ and the Wike-led FCTA’s zero tolerance for maternal mortality, several hospitals in the FCT, including Gwarinpa, Nyanya, Abaji, and Kuje General Hospitals, have been designated as Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care centers.

    “These facilities also offer cesarean sections free of charge,” he said.

    The spokesman urged pregnant women to take advantage of the free health insurance scheme and stop visiting quack medical personnel and unregistered health facilities.

    He recalled that on Friday, a 35-year-old Chekwube Chinagorom was brought to the Asokoro District Hospital dead.

    He said that the woman died following a Caesarean section, at a hospital in Durumi, Abuja, an unregistered private facility operating in a substandard and unsafe medical environment.

    He added that the baby was delivered alive and had been referred to Asokoro District Hospital for effective care.

    “Investigation conducted by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) revealed that the hospital was not duly registered.

    “At the time of inspection, only one staff member, Mr Simon Godiya, who identified himself as a Junior Community Health Extension Worker was on duty.

    “Mr Godiya reported that the surgical operation was performed by one Murtala Jumma in conjunction with another unidentified individual.

    “All attempts to reach Jumma via phone were unsuccessful,” he added.

    Olayinka said the PHERMC team arrived shortly at the facility along with officers from the Nigeria Police, Durumi Divisional Headquarters.

    He said that case had been handed over to the Police for further investigation.

    “The Nigeria Police is currently assisting in identifying the individuals responsible for the surgery, verifying their qualifications, and investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Chekwube Chinagorom,” he said.

  • UCH resident doctors suspend indefinite strike action

    UCH resident doctors suspend indefinite strike action

    The resident doctors at University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan on Tuesday suspended the strike they embarked upon a day earlier.

    Dr Uthman Adedeji, the General Secretary of UCH’s Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), disclosed this in an interview with NAN.

    Recall that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) had reconnected the UCH on Wednesday after some intervention following power outage of over 100 days.

    However, some parts of the College’s residential quarters were not reconnected.

    The resident doctors then embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday insisting that all parts of the residential quarters must be reconnected.

    Adedeji said that power had now been restored to all parts of the residential areas, leading to the association suspending the industrial action.

    “Arising from the Emergency General Meeting (EGM) we just ended this Tuesday night, we now sat that the total and indefinite strike embarked upon at 4:01 p.m on Monday has been suspended.

    “Work will resumes by 8 a.m on Wednesday and all members are to resume at their duty posts at this time,” he said.

  • Doctors’ new retirement age will cushion effects of japa scourge – NMA

    Doctors’ new retirement age will cushion effects of japa scourge – NMA

    The recent increase in the retirement age for doctors and healthcare workers, from 60 to 65 years, will help to cushion the effects of ‘japa’ scourge in the health sector.

    The Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State Branch, Dr Happy Adedapo, disclosed this in an interview with NAN in Ibadan on Saturday.

    Recall President Bola Tinubu approved 65 years as the new retirement age for doctors and other healthcare workers earlier in the week.

    According to Adedapo, the approval is a welcome development to somewhat take care of some downsides of the highly prevalent japa malady among other issues bedevilling the healthcare delivery system.

    The state NMA chair emphasised that the approval would mitigate the effects of inadequate personnel in the health sector.

    “It is something the body of doctors has been advocating as most healthcare facilities are short-staffed.

    “Generally, apart from the external ‘japa’, there is the internal ‘japa’ as well.

    “People are also migrating to places like Lagos and Abuja due to better working conditions on a daily basis.

    “The lacuna created by the shortage of staff, as a result of the exit of top and junior professionals, would be surely plugged, even if temporarily, while further ingenious measures are adopted for permanent respite.

    “It’s better to retain the old and experienced ones who have been in the system and not planning to relocate.

    “So, it’s a welcome development if followed through and backed by extant documents,” Adedapo said.

  • Edo doctors begin warning strike over unimplemented Okpebholo’s directive

    Edo doctors begin warning strike over unimplemented Okpebholo’s directive

    Medical doctors under the employ of the Edo Health Management Agency (HMA), on Thursday, commenced a 2-day warning strike to protest against the appointment of a new Executive Secretary for the agency.

    According to reports, the doctors operating under the aegis of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Edo HMA branch, were kicking against the appointment of Nelson Tenebe, who is said to be related to a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in the state.

    In a notification letter sent to Gov. Monday Okpebholo, a copy of which was obtained by NAN, the association stated the decision was taken after an emergency general meeting on January 29.

    The letter was signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the association, Dr Clement Ikponmwen and Dr Osaronse Aghimien.

    “Following the expiration of the ultimatum issued on January 7, and the subsequent meetings we had with you sir, we want to appreciate Your Excellency’s kind approval of Dr Christopher Eigbe Ehiagwina as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of the HMA during the last meeting we had with you on January 22.

    “Unfortunately sir, your directive has not been effected up untill now, as though your instructions are being undermined.

    “This has led to great disenchantment among members after initially being told that you had given the instruction for the name to be announced and appointment given effect.

    “Arising from an emergency general meeting held on January 29, the association declared a two-day warning strike to begin 12 midnight today (Thursday), if the announcement and appointment were not given effect to as directed by Your Excellency a week ago,” the letter added.

    Meanwhile, the warning strike has begun to take a toll on healthcare services across the state, with public hospitals scaling down operations.

    Non-emergency cases were being turned back, leaving patients and their families frustrated by the disruptions.

    Many are said to have resorted to alternative medicine and private hospitals.

  • FCT doctors suspend warning strike

    FCT doctors suspend warning strike

    The Association of Resident Doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT) has suspended its three-day warning strike after the intervention of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesome Wike.

    The President of the Association, Dr. George Ebong, in a statement on Friday night said the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) under the minister had met their demands.

    NAN recalled that ARD-FCT had on Wednesday, Jan. 22, commenced a three-day warning strike to press home some demands from the FCTA.

    The strike grounded most the government hospitals in the FCT, as the doctors claimed that some of them employed in 2023 were yet to received some arrears, allowances, and other benefits.

    The doctors also listed the deplorable conditions of some the hospitals in the FCT, manpower shortage among other demands.

    However, Ebong in the statement revealed that its members have started receiving the alerts of unpaid six-month salary arrears.

    The ARD-FCT President said that the Minister had approved, as well as ordered immediate payment of the accoutrement allowance owed members.

    He said that the Minister had also given approval for medical residency bonding training to 2 years; approval of immediate employment of doctors and allied health workers.

    Ebong said that the Minister had also given approval for payment of locum doctors and other health workers that were being owed, noting that “with the intervention of the Minister, doctors are expected to resume work with immediate effect.”

    He added that the intervention had also put an end to the impending indefinite shutdown of hospitals in Abuja, while urging the Minister to brace-up and meet other demands to avert future strike action.

    “On behalf of the executive members and the entire supreme congress of ARD-FCTA, I, Dr. George Ebong, deeply appreciate the Minister for his prompt and timely intervention in meeting our demands, thereby ending our warning strike.

    “We also humbly plead with the Minister to put a mechanism in place to avoid a repeat of this anomaly. We are hopeful that other demands will be attended to in due time,” Ebong said.

    The ARD-FCTA President expressed the association’s believes in the capacity of the Minister to turn the FCT health sector around as a stakeholder in the renew hope agenda.

    Ebong also used the opportunity to invite the Minister to all the district hospitals in the FCT, while assuring him of doctors continued support in the realisation of the administration’s renew hope agenda.

  • Resident doctors lament poor conditions in FCT hospitals

    Resident doctors lament poor conditions in FCT hospitals

    The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has expressed concern over the poor working conditions and dilapidated infrastructure in hospitals across the nation’s capital.

    Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the association’s president, Dr George Ebong, announced the commencement of a three-day warning strike.

    He described Wuse General Hospital as ‘an abandoned facility’, calling it a symbol of the neglect affecting healthcare facilities in the FCT.

    Ebong explained that the strike followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum, as well as an additional two-week extension granted to the FCTA management to address the association’s demands.

    “The emergency general congress of ARD-FCTA convened on Tuesday, January 21, to discuss the various resolutions contained in the 21-day ultimatum paper.

    “The congress deemed it fit to commence a warning strike after the refusal of the FCTA management to respond to the association’s demands”.

    He expressed the association’s displeasure over several unresolved issues, including the non-payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed in 2023.

    “The congress noted with dismay the non-payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months owed to members employed in 2023.

    “Despite extensive engagements with management on the issue, it had failed to listen, and the issue had brought untold hardship to members of the association, and this had continued”.

    He further stated that the congress was dissatisfied with the non-payment of the 25 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears from July 2023 to April 2024 for members employed in 2023.

    This benefit, he added, had already been implemented for other healthcare workers.

    According to Ebong, the congress also noted the delay in disbursing the 2024 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

    “The congress is astonished that in spite of various assurances by the management, the Medical Residency Training Fund of 2024 has still remained unpaid, even with assurance from management that approval has been given to 52 resident doctors out of the 75 eligible ones,” he said.

    The association lamented that this delay had caused severe distress among members, many of whom had taken loans to pay for exams, update courses, and other expenses.

    Other grievances raised by the congress included the non-payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance, which was expected to be disbursed in October 2024.

    “The congress also expressed profound dismay at the prolonged bonding period for resident doctors, with our members who were expected to be bonded for six years after residency training”.

    He also noted the lack of progress in implementing the skipping policy for members employed in 2023 and expressed displeasure at the unpaid 13 months of hazard allowance arrears.

    “The congress expressed her displeasure regarding the unpaid 13 months hazard allowance arrears and the lack of any significant progress made in this regard,” he added.

    The association further criticised the delays in advancing members who had passed their part two fellowship exams to consultant cadre, as well as the slow recruitment of healthcare workers into residency programmes.

    As part of its demands, ARD-FCTA called for the immediate payment of salary arrears, CONMESS arrears, the 2024 MRTF, and the accoutrement allowance.

    It also urged the FCTA management to reduce the bonding period for resident doctors to two years, implement the skipping policy, and address the outstanding hazard allowance arrears.

    Ebong urged the management to expedite the employment of healthcare workers and advance post-part two members to the consultant cadre.

    He warned that failure to address these issues would worsen the challenges facing healthcare delivery in the FCT.

  • NMA debunks bribery allegation against doctors

    NMA debunks bribery allegation against doctors

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has debunked the bribery allegation leveled against medical doctors, saying it upholds ethical and professional standards to strengthen public trust in the medical profession.

    Dr Babajide Saheed, Chairman, NMA Lagos Zone, said this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.

    Saheed said this while reacting to an online publication that ‘two-third of Nigerian doctors and nurses demand bribes before attending to patients.”

    He noted that the online media publication claimed to have drawn the report from a recent survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) titled, “Corruption in Nigeria: Pattern and Trends.”

    “If the reporter had done due diligence, he/she would have realised that the respondents-based national survey of 33,035 households in the 36 States and FCT reported 4 per cent requests by or payments of bribes among doctors, nurses and midwives cluster.

    “Despite having some reservations about the professionals’ clustering of doctors, nurses and midwives in the survey, we are still at a loss as to where the reporter got his or her two-third quoted figure.

    “A whooping 67 per cent instead of the four per cent reported in the referenced NBS report.

    “While we pledge to continue to give our best to our esteemed patients, we however frown at any attempt to malign our hardworking and ever-sacrificing members,” he said.

    He warned that NMA would not hesitate to use lawful means to seek redress on perceived damage to the noble profession.

    The Chairman commended the efforts of NBS and its collaboration with the United Nations office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) to stamp corruption out of Nigeria and the courage in publishing the third corruption survey.

    Saheed noted that it was heartwarming that the survey reported in a section that more than 70 per cent of respondents in the survey refused to pay bribes demanded by public officials.

    “Meaning that Nigerians are increasingly empowered to confront and decline requests from bribe-seeking corrupt officials to do their work,” he said.

    Saheed emphasised that the medical practitioners’ community and its regulatory body – Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) have a robust disciplinary process for erring members and would not condone misconduct from its members.

    According to Saheed, the NMA Lagos continues to hold the generality of the Nigerian media in high esteem and would not like to join issues with any section of the revered fourth estates of the realm.

    He, therefore, demanded that the maligning and misleading online report be pulled down by its publisher.

    The Chairman emphasised that Nigerian doctors were among the most sought-after healthcare practitioners in the world.

    “Our work ethic is still top-notch despite the overwhelming workload caused by a grossly disproportionate doctor-to-patient ratio, exacerbated by abysmal remuneration and poor facilities,” he said.

    Saheed added that these factors had led to an exodus of its members seeking greener pastures.

  • Ogun doctors threaten strike

    Ogun doctors threaten strike

    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun chapter, says it will go on strike over poor working conditions at the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum issued to the state government.

    The association’s chairman, Dr Kunle Ashimi, said at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday that the ultimatum, issued on June 7, would expire on Thursday.

    According to Ashimi, members will have no choice but to embark on strike unless the government addresses their concerns.

    He mentioned the non-payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale and failure to recruit new doctors as some of the issues requiring government attention.

    He noted that despite ongoing discussions with relevant government officials, there had only been verbal assurances without official commitments.

    He, therefore, urged the citizens of Ogun to call on the government to take necessary steps to prevent the looming strike, which would disrupt healthcare services across the state.

    “The State Executive Council of NMA Ogun issued a 21-day ultimatum to the state government on June 7, which will elapse on June 27.

    “This indicated that industrial harmony may not be guaranteed after this date as the pressure of work on the few doctors holding forth is yielding dire consequences.

    “Ongoing conversations with relevant government officers only came with verbal assurances but no official commitment yet.

    “Concerned affiliates of NMA Ogun have been engaging the government on the need to commence the payment of the reviewed CONMESS salary scale for doctors in the state in order to motivate and retain those who have not left and to attract new ones.

    “We use this opportunity to call on well-meaning citizens of Ogun state to impress upon the Ogun government to do the needful to avert any industrial action,” Ashimi said.

    The NMA chief said Babcock University Teaching Hospital witnessed a monthly electricity bill surge between N80 million and N100 million to N300 million.

    He called for concessions to be given to health institutions to prevent increased costs from being passed onto patients, potentially making healthcare inaccessible for many.

    “While we appreciate the zeal of the government to develop the energy sector, we appeal strongly that concessions be given to health institutions.

    “These humongous tariffs will eventually be passed on to our poor patients, thereby driving them further away from access to appropriate healthcare services,” he said

    On the Cholera outbreak, Ashimi said there were ongoing sensitisation programmes by the association in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and various media organisations.

    He stressed the importance of preventive measures and provided contact numbers as released by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, to report suspected cholera cases.

    He said the cases would be treated free of charge at designated facilities.

    “We use this opportunity to appeal to our people to imbibe preventive measures for the prevention of the spread of Cholera.

    “This includes avoiding open defecation, avoiding indiscriminate refuse dumping, washing hands regularly, washing fruits and vegetables well before consuming and treating water before consuming it, either by boiling or treating it with chemical purifying agents.

    “We advocate that where there is no wherewithal to do this, two drops of plain household bleach in a litre of water can be a good alternative.

    “We also implore schools to monitor food, fruit and snack vendors around the schools to ensure that they practice proper hygiene.

    “As well, schools should reintroduce handwashing stations like it was done during the COVID-19 period,” he said.