The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory (ARD-FCT), has warned that continued neglect of the FCT health sector could lead to a systemic collapse, unless urgent reforms are implemented.

Speaking after its 3rd Quarter Ordinary General Meeting in Abuja on Thursday night, ARD-FCT President, Dr. George Ebong, alongside other executives, highlighted manpower shortages, non-functional equipment, poor working conditions, and unpaid allowances as key issues crippling the system.

“Our hospitals are not even 20th century compliant. X-ray machines have been non-functional for years. Dialysis patients are turned away due to consumable shortages, while the few working machines frequently break down,” Ebong said.

He noted that doctors were under immense pressure, often covering multiple departments, which has taken a toll on their mental health.

“This overload has led some colleagues to rely on antidepressants just to stay functional,” he revealed.

According to Ebong, the last major recruitment drive in the FCT took place in 2011, yet many doctors have since left due to retirement, death, or migration.

“In some hospitals, one doctor handles up to 60 patients overnight. This situation is neither safe for the patients nor sustainable for the healthcare workers,” he stressed.

The doctors also raised concerns over unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, and underpayment of promoted staff, calling for urgent government action to restore morale and service efficiency.

The association issued a one-week ultimatum to the FCT administration to begin meaningful reforms particularly on staffing and welfare warning that failure to act could trigger a one-week warning strike.

In response, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, assured that the FCT Minister’s administration was committed to strengthening healthcare delivery.

She disclosed that appointment letters for 60 house officers, 70 pharmacists, and 60 laboratory scientists would soon be issued, while outstanding allowances were being processed.

“We are also improving health insurance and drug supply across facilities,” she added.