The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, urging him to address their demands or face what they describe as the “deadliest shutdown” of healthcare services in the nation’s capital.
Dr. George Ebong, President of the ARD, sounded the warning during a press conference held at Wuse District Hospital, Abuja, on Monday.
While commending Minister Wike for his strides in infrastructural development since assuming office, Dr. Ebong called for equal attention to the welfare of healthcare workers, who he said are grappling with severe economic challenges.
“The minister has done commendable work in addressing infrastructural deficits in Abuja,” Ebong remarked. “However, doctors have become the ‘human abandoned project.’ While he is fixing the physical infrastructure, we implore him to invest in human development, particularly the well-being of doctors, who are now at risk of extinction due to economic hardship.”
The ARD leader stressed that failure to meet their demands within the 14-day timeframe could lead to an unprecedented shutdown of hospitals across the FCT, potentially crippling healthcare services.
“We believe Minister Wike has the capacity to address this challenge,” Ebong added. “This is an urgent call to action to avert a crisis that will affect millions of residents.”
The specific demands of the ARD were not disclosed during the press conference, but the association emphasized that these issues must be resolved promptly to ensure the stability of healthcare delivery in the capital.
The minister is yet to respond to the ultimatum as stakeholders and residents anxiously await developments.
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