In a swift move to avert a potential healthcare crisis, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has called off its three-day warning strike following the intervention of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.
The announcement was made via the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, breaking the news that the strike, which had threatened to disrupt medical services across FCT hospitals, had been resolved.
The resident doctors initiated the industrial action to press home their demands, which reportedly included improved welfare, better working conditions, and the timely provision of medical supplies. The strike, which began three days ago, left patients in public hospitals stranded and increased the pressure on already overburdened private healthcare facilities.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, known for his hands-on leadership style, reportedly convened an emergency meeting with the striking doctors and other stakeholders to address their grievances. During the dialogue, Wike pledged immediate action to improve the conditions of service for healthcare workers in the FCT and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of quality healthcare to residents.
In a statement after the meeting, the ARD leadership expressed satisfaction with the minister’s commitment to their demands. “We have been assured of swift action on our concerns, and in the interest of our patients and the public, we have decided to suspend the warning strike,” the statement read.
The FCT Minister also used the opportunity to stress his administration’s prioritization of healthcare delivery, emphasizing that his government would not tolerate actions that jeopardize public health.
The resolution of the strike has been met with widespread relief from residents, who had feared a prolonged standoff between the doctors and the government. Public reactions on social media praised Wike’s proactive approach, with many urging sustained government efforts to address the underlying issues in the healthcare sector.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the FCT administration to fulfill its promises and prevent future disruptions in the critical sector. For now, the doctors are back to saving lives, a testament to the power of dialogue and decisive leadership in resolving industrial disputes.
PIONEER NEWS 