The committee made the call at an emergency meeting led by Chairman Senator David Jimkuta (Taraba South), met with the leadership of the striking doctors.

The committee also vowed to engage urgently with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, to address the doctors’ demands and find a resolution.

The senators assured them that their concerns were receiving attention and promised to escalate the matter directly to the FCT Minister.

Senator Jimkuta acknowledged the devastating impact the strike is having on healthcare delivery in the territory and pleaded with the doctors to resume work while talks continue.

“We are pleading with you, please return to work and continue saving lives. I will personally meet with the Minister tomorrow. I am confident that something concrete will come out of it. We cannot stand by while people die because doctors are on strike”. He stated.

He commended the doctors for their selfless fight, noting that their demands were focused on strengthening Nigeria’s collapsing healthcare system rather than personal gain.

Read Also: Resident Doctors Meet Over Nationwide strike today

Recall, that the FCT chapter of NARD declared an indefinite strike, citing longstanding issues related to unpaid salary arrears dating back to 2023, unexplained deductions from allowances, and the failure to upgrade qualified resident doctors who have completed specialist training but are still paid as medical officers.

The committee also called for a joint session involving the National Assembly, the FCT health administration as well as representatives of the resident doctors to facilitate direct negotiations and find a lasting solution.

Source: Punch