FCT minister approves payment as resident doctors begin strike

The strike by Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration chapter, over non-payment of their COVID – 19 hazard and inducement allowances commenced on Tuesday with  compliance in different hospitals.

The strike action was meant to be in the 14 general and district hospitals in the FCT, including the Department of Public and Primary Healthcare.

The PUNCH reported that there was compliance at the general hospitals in Kubwa, Wuse, Maitama, Nyanya and Asokoro.

A source, however, said patients with severe cases were given medical attention by doctors who are not on residency.

The President of ARD in FCTA, Dr Roland Aigbovo, told THE PUNCH on Tuesday that following the declaration of the strike, the Minister of FCT, Mohammed Bello, approved the payment of the allowance to both the FCTA staff and non FCTA staff working in the isolation/treatment centres.

Aigbovo said that congress would meet to determine the next line of action.

He said, “Following the commencement of the strike action, we were informed with evidence that the Minister of FCT has approved the payment of the said allowance to both the FCTA staffs and non FCTA staffs working in the Isolation/Treatment centres and hopefully, we expect the payment to be effected as soon as possible following which an Emergency General Meeting will be conveyed to decide on the next line of action.

“Prior to this time, our strike action normally will not be effective on the first day but due to the lack of motivation of our members and indeed the entire Health workers, the effect of the industrial action was felt from the first day.”

Aigbovo commended the Bello for approving the payment of the COVID – 19 hazard and inducement allowances for all cadre of workers and for always putting the health of FCT residents into perspective.