The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory has called on the government to urgently fix the growing problems in the FCT health sector. The doctors warned that if these challenges continue to be ignored, the health system may collapse.
At its 3rd Quarter Ordinary General Meeting held in Abuja on Thursday night, the association listed manpower shortages, non-functional equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid allowances as areas that need immediate attention.
ARD-FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, speaking with reporters alongside other executives, described the FCT health system as one that has suffered years of neglect and now requires urgent reform.
“Our hospitals are outdated. For years, X-ray machines have not been working. Dialysis patients are often turned away because consumables are not available. Even the few machines that still function break down frequently,” Dr. Ebong said.
He explained that doctors are under intense pressure, often covering more than one department.
“This workload is so heavy that some colleagues now use antidepressants just to cope,” he added.
Dr. Ebong advised the FCT Administration to focus on training and recruiting more healthcare workers. He noted that the last major recruitment happened in 2011, and since then many doctors have retired, died, or moved abroad without replacements.
“In some hospitals, one doctor attends to up to 60 patients overnight. This is unsafe for patients and unhealthy for the doctors too,” he stressed.
The doctors also raised concerns about unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of staff, urging the government to resolve these issues quickly to improve worker morale and service delivery.
They further advised that frontline health workers should be part of decision-making because funds are often spent on less urgent projects while critical needs like staffing and supplies are ignored.
“We cannot give our best when working under these conditions. Doctors are human too. Our ability to care for others depends on how well the system supports us,” Dr. Ebong said.
To show their seriousness, the association gave the FCT Administration a one-week deadline to start meaningful reforms, especially on staffing and welfare. They warned that if nothing is done, doctors may embark on a one-week warning strike.
In response, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, assured that the FCT Minister’s administration is committed to improving healthcare services in the capital.
She announced that appointment letters for 60 house officers, 70 pharmacists, and 60 laboratory scientists will soon be issued.
“Outstanding allowances are also being processed, along with efforts to improve health insurance and drug supply,” she added.
