Abuja Doctors to Embark on Strike Today Over COVID-19 Hazard Allowance

The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration chapter (ARD-FCTA), said that it will embark on strike today (Tuesday) over non-payment of their COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowances; and the variation of the 2018 promotion exercise implemented.

This decision was disclosed in a fresh communiqué issued at the end of ARD-FCTA emergency meeting held both physically virtually in Abuja on Monday and co-signed by the chairman of ARD-FCTA, Dr Roland Aigbovo and General Secretary, Dr Mustapha Ibrahim.

The ARD-FCTA said it will embark on strike after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum given to the FCTA over the issues in the communiqué submitted to the administration dated August 14, 2020.

The association said the strike would not be called off until their demands were met.

The communiqué reads in part, “Due to the insensitivity displayed by the Office of the Permanent Secretary, FCT, and widespread agitations among our members in the various FCT hospitals and isolation/treatment centres, we regret to notify the administration and by extension the general public that the association would embark on an indefinite strike action with effect from 8am, 1st September 2020 until the payment of the COVID-19 hazard and inducement allowance is received and the variation of the 2018 promotion exercise implemented.

“We regret any inconveniences this might cause the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the general public needing healthcare delivery during this period.

“We implore the FCT Administration to also look into the other myriads of problems raised in our earlier communication to the administration dated 14th  August, 2020 with a view to resolving all pending issues so as to maintain industrial harmony.”