3 weeks Ago By Lara Adejoro
Lara Adejoro Doctors under the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners, Federal Capital Territory branch, have warned that a healthcare crisis in the FCT’s area councils could spiral out of control if their demands are not met. The association, in a statement signed by its chairman, Dr Okoreaffia Ogbonnaya on Tuesday, called for the immediate implementation of the approved minimum wage, improved working conditions, and better healthcare infrastructure across the six area councils of the FCT. The association warned it would escalate the issue if its demands are not met, adding that it would convene an emergency State Executive Committee meeting in two weeks to determine the next course of action, based on the response of the Area Council Chairmen.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved a national minimum wage of N70,000, with a pledge to review it every three years. The statement partly read, “On behalf of her members working in the Health Departments of all six Area Councils of the FCT, the state Chairman expresses deep concern over the continued neglect of critical issues affecting healthcare service delivery and the welfare of medical professionals in the employment of the Area council service. “Medical doctors, health workers and other cadres of employees in the Area Council Service have yet to benefit from the revised national minimum wage, despite its approval by the Federal Government.
This disregard for a national policy and the rights of our members, including other employees of these area councils, is a grave act of injustice and a clear indication of the low priority placed on workers, particularly healthcare workers, further undermining the morale of healthcare professionals who are at the forefront of service to our communities. “Our members continue to work under deplorable and unsafe conditions, with inadequate staffing, lack of essential tools, medical supplies, and insufficient support systems. The poor state of health infrastructure within the Area Councils is alarming, with dilapidated facilities and a severe lack of necessary equipment, hindering the delivery of quality healthcare services to the residents.
This not only compromises patient care but also endangers the lives of both healthcare workers and the public.” The association also decried the neglect of workers’ welfare, stating that it is a recurring theme, as timely promotions, appropriate wage allowances, bonuses, pension remittances, and other entitlements have been grossly neglected. It noted that the level of disregard and insensitivity towards the welfare of its members and well-being has led to frustrations and a decline in workforce productivity.
It further said the current industrial action of the area council workers, specifically by health workers, occasioned by the unresolved issues, poses a significant threat to the laudable plans of the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. “We acknowledge and appreciate the Minister’s demonstrated concern and commitment to resolving this impasse, including his financial commitment and other acts of finding solutions to this imbroglio. However, the Area Council Chairmen’s continued inaction undermines these efforts and jeopardises the health of the FCT residents,” it said.
Outlining its demands, the association seeks the “Immediate implementation of the approved minimum wage for our members including other employees in the Area Councils; urgent improvement of working conditions for medical practitioners in your employment, including provision of necessary equipment and manpower; comprehensive rehabilitation of healthcare infrastructure across the six Area Councils; prompt attention to the welfare of our members, payment of outstanding allowances, entitlements, all outstanding salaries, bonuses, pension remittances, and a commitment to the regular and timely payment of salaries moving forward; meaningful dialogue and engagement with NAGGMDP and other stakeholders to address all outstanding issues and prevent further industrial action. “We call on the Chairmen of the six Area Councils to act swiftly to address these issues in the interest of public health and industrial harmony. Failure to do so may lead to further escalation of the ongoing industrial action, and involvement of our other members at both secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities within the FCT which would create dire consequences for healthcare delivery in the FCT.
“NAGGMDP FCT remains committed to dialogue and collaboration towards achieving a sustainable and efficient healthcare system for all residents of the FCT.” As of press time, efforts to reach the Chairman of the FCT Association of Local Governments of Nigeria and the Chairman of Kwali Area Council , Chiya Danladi , for a response were unsuccessful. His mobile line was unreachable, and follow-up attempts via text message and WhatsApp also received no response.
Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: [email protected] Tags #Patient care FCT COUNCIL HEALTHCARE WORKERS healthcare workers inadequate staffing neglect of workers welfare unpaid minimum wage.
