While doctors of different countries around the world are selflessly contributing and fighting deadly coronavirus pandemic, Nigerian doctors in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Tuesday announced they were embarking on an “indefinite strike” over “financial distress”.
The Abuja chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), announced their decision barely an hour after the Lagos State government confirmed and announced the third case of Covid19 in the nation’s commercial capital.
The doctors said they deliberated extensively on the health threat posed by the coronavirus scare, their work conditions, and patient care before arriving at the “difficult decision.”
In a statement signed by its president, Roland Aigbovo, the association said the mass action followed the failure of the FCT administration to pay them their basic salaries for more than two months.
Aigbovo said their members have been thrown into financial distress due to the nonpayment of their salaries and despite repeated warnings and ultimatum, nothing has been done by authorities.
He said there has been salary irregularities and shortfalls since the migration to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System by the FCTA.
