The Federal Capital Territory branch of the Nigerian Medical Association issued a 14-day strike ultimatum to the management of the National Hospital, Abuja, on Friday, demanding the reinstatement of three doctors who were dismissed after being casualised for three years at the hospital.
The association warned that its members at the hospital would embark on a total and indefinite strike beginning June 30, 2025, if the doctors are not reinstated.
In a memo addressed to the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Prof. Muhammad Mahmud, and dated June 13, 2025, the association stated that if the doctors were not reinstated after seven days of commencing the strike, all NMA members in the FCT would join the action.
The decision, it noted, was reached during its Ordinary General Meeting held in Abuja on June 11, 2025.
The memo, signed by the NMA FCT Chairman, Dr. Ayogu Emeka, and the Assistant Secretary, Dr. Usman Hafiz was titled “Notice of 14 days strike ultimatum for vehemently refusing to reinstate our disengaged members.”
It partly read, “It has become imperative to formally communicate the position and decision of the Supreme Congress of NMA FCT Branch regarding the disengagement of our members who were casualised as locum consultants for three years without any justifiable reason from the management of National Hospital, Abuja.
“The Congress of the NMA FCT Branch frowns at this sad development after extensively deliberating on the matter at our OGM, where members consider the action by NHA management as selective victimisation and scapegoating of three medical doctors (consultants) out of the 30 in the same category.”
The association said several advocacy efforts had been made to resolve the issue amicably, but these were unheeded.
“Sir, recall the NMA FCT made numerous entreaties and embarked on advocacy visits to the management of your hospital, appealing to it to reverse the sad and ill-treatment meted out to our members all in a bid to ensure harmonious working relationship and to forestall disruption of healthcare services to the good people of FCT and beyond.
“These included advocacy visits by the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Bala M. Audu, high-level advocacy visits led by the Chairman of NMA FCT, and a high-level advocacy committee whose membership includes very senior doctors of enviable and reputable characters, so you reconsider and reinstate the affected members. Despite all the peaceful approaches by the association, there has been no positive response or action taken to address this crucial issue,” it said.
The memo also cited broader implications of the dismissals, linking them to ongoing challenges in the Nigerian health sector.
“Among other reasons advanced by the various stakeholders that met with your management on this matter was the mass migration of Nigerian medical professionals abroad, which has further strained our healthcare system, leading to critical shortages and increased workloads for those remaining.
“The disengagement of our members exacerbates these issues, contributing to deteriorating mental health and economic hardship among doctors. The stress of understaffing coupled with the fear of unjust termination has led to anxiety, reduced productivity, and financial insecurity among members,” it emphasised.
Having exhausted all diplomatic channels, the NMA FCT said it has no other option but to activate industrial action.
(Punch)
