FCTA Resident Doctors Declare Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has declared an indefinite strike, effective today, Monday, September 15, 2025, following what it described as government’s persistent neglect of the healthcare system and disregard for doctors’ welfare.

The decision was reached at an emergency general meeting of the association held on Sunday, September 14, where members expressed disappointment that none of their earlier demands had been addressed after a 7-day warning strike.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the doctors highlighted several grievances, including the continued non-payment of salary arrears ranging from one to six months for members employed since 2023, irregular salary payments, and unexplained deductions.

They also noted the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS upward review, and 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears.

The communiqué further decried the absence of new recruitments despite a worsening manpower crisis, delayed promotions since 2023, stagnation of newly qualified Fellows denied advancement to Consultant cadre for over five years, and the non-payment of accoutrement allowances.

“The deplorable state of FCTA hospitals, which are now shadows of decay rather than centres of excellence, lacking equipment, consumables, and basic functionality, is a testament to government’s disregard for healthcare,” the association stated.

As part of its resolutions, ARD-FCTA demanded immediate payment of all outstanding arrears, urgent recruitment of new doctors before the end of 2025, correction of irregular salary payments, documented timelines for promotions, and the upgrading of FCTA hospitals to globally acceptable standards.

The association warned that the strike would continue indefinitely until the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to prioritizing healthcare delivery in the nation’s capital.

“We do hope that management will do the urgent needful to meet all of our demands for the sake of our patients and ourselves,” the communiqué concluded.