There is panic amongst residents in Abuja and its environ as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Abuja chapter, on Tuesday announced its decision to proceed on an indefinite strike over non-payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances. This is coming even as the Lagos state government confirmed a third case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state on Tuesday.
THE WITNESS reports that 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.
Mr 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.
The union leader said other health workers who are also affected by the salary shortfalls will join the mass action within 48 hours if their demands “which are the same with ours are not met.”