By Emmanuel Elebeke

The National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) FCT Branch has expressed deep concern over the continued neglect of critical issues affecting healthcare service delivery and the welfare of medical professionals in the employment of the Area Council Service. The association is therefore demanding immediate implementation of the approved minimum wage, improved working conditions, and better healthcare infrastructure in FCT Area Councils.

In a statement  signed  by the State Chairman in the FCT, Dr. Okoreaffia Ogbonnaya on Wednesday, the association said the Medical doctors, health workers and other cadre of employees in the Area Council Service have yet to benefit from the revised national minimum wage, despite its approval by the Federal Government, adding that, “This disregard for a national policy and the rights of our members including other employees of these area councils is a grave act of injustice and a clear indication of the low priority placed on workers particularly healthcare workers, further undermining the morale of healthcare professionals who are at the forefront of service to our communities.”

Among their key demands include: implementation of Revised National Minimum Wage; Improved Working Conditions; and better Healthcare Infrastructure.

“Medical doctors, health workers, and other employees in the Area Council Service have yet to benefit from the revised national minimum wage despite its approval by the Federal Government. Better working conditions are essential for enhancing healthcare service delivery and the overall well-being of medical professionals.

The association is pushing for improved healthcare infrastructure to support effective service delivery in the FCT Area Councils,” it added.

The association which decried the neglect of these critical issues has significant implications for healthcare service delivery in the FCT Area Councils, emphasized the need for implementation of the approved minimum wage and improved working conditions, which it said is essential for ensuring the well-being of medical professionals and delivering quality healthcare services to the citizens of the FCT.

It called on the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address these concerns and implement the demands. 

It further called on the Chairmen of the six Area Councils to act swiftly to address these issues in the interest of public health and industrial harmony.

The association expressed confidence that this will not only improve the welfare of medical professionals but also enhance healthcare service delivery in the FCT Area Councils.

According to  them, failure to act by those concerned may lead to further escalation of the ongoing industrial action, and involvement of our other members at both secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities within the FCT which would create dire consequences for healthcare delivery in the FCT.  

NAGGMDP FCT said it remained committed to dialogue and collaboration towards achieving a sustainable and efficient healthcare system for all residents of the Federal Capital Territory.