The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, on Monday declared an indefinite strike, escalating its industrial action after a seven-day warning strike failed to produce results.

The decision was contained in a communiqué signed by ARD-FCT President, George Ebong, and General Secretary, Agbor Affiong. The doctors said the action became necessary following the government’s failure to address long-standing grievances affecting healthcare delivery in the territory.

The association highlighted several issues, including shortages of medical personnel, poor welfare conditions, unpaid salaries, unexplained deductions, and the psychological burden of extended working hours. The doctors also cited the absence of new recruitment into FCT hospitals since 2011 as a major factor worsening the strain on available staff.

“The situation in FCT hospitals has reached a breaking point. Without new hands since 2011, the pressure on existing doctors has become unbearable. Coupled with welfare challenges, unpaid entitlements, and unexplained salary deductions, it is no longer sustainable,” the communiqué stated.

The doctors noted that their decision to embark on an indefinite strike was aimed at pressing for urgent interventions that would restore efficiency in the healthcare system within the FCT.

The strike comes one week after the association concluded a warning strike that lasted seven days, which did not yield any resolution of their demands.(The Guardian)