By James Ogunnaike

Medical services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, may be affected as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has commenced a three-day warning strike, following what it described as a serious security breach at the House Officers’ Quarters within the hospital premises.

The strike, which began on Thursday, is expected to run until Saturday, unless hospital management provides satisfactory assurances and implements urgent measures to address the security concerns raised by the doctors.

The decision was reached during an emergency general meeting of the association held on Thursday, where members unanimously condemned the recent theft incident that resulted in the loss of several personal belongings belonging to resident doctors.

According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the stolen items included five mobile phones, a laptop computer, cash, and a driver’s licence.

The doctors described the incident as the latest manifestation of longstanding security deficiencies within the hospital environment, warning that the safety of healthcare workers can no longer be guaranteed under the current circumstances.

Speaking on behalf of the association, the President of ARD, FMC Abeokuta, Dr. Olanipekun Quadri Arise-Kola, said the strike became necessary following repeated security lapses and the absence of effective preventive measures.

“The recent security breach has further heightened the fears of our members regarding their safety and the protection of their property within the hospital community. The current situation poses a significant threat to the welfare and security of resident doctors,” he stated.

He added that members expressed deep dissatisfaction with recurring security failures and resolved that urgent intervention was required to prevent future occurrences.

The association outlined a series of demands it said must be addressed as a matter of urgency by the management of the medical centre.

Among the demands are the replacement or adequate compensation of all stolen items belonging to affected doctors, a comprehensive review and replacement of the current security outfit with a more competent service provider, and the installation of functional Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at strategic locations across the hospital and residential quarters.

The doctors also called for improved lighting around the hospital premises, deployment of armed security personnel, establishment of a functional police post close to the residential quarters, reinforcement of perimeter fencing, and the institution of regular security patrols, particularly during nighttime.

“Healthcare workers deserve to work and live in a safe environment. Security should not be treated as an afterthought. We urge management to take immediate and concrete steps to address these concerns and prevent any recurrence of such incidents,” the association said.

Despite the industrial action, the doctors reiterated their commitment to constructive engagement with the hospital management and emphasised that the strike was intended to draw attention to a critical welfare and safety issue.

The communiqué further stressed that the welfare and security of resident doctors remain central to the association’s mandate and are essential for the effective delivery of quality healthcare services.

“We remain committed to the welfare and security of resident doctors, the restoration of dignity in medical practice, and the pursuit of quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Through unity, persistence, and principled engagement, we believe the aspirations of resident doctors and the broader medical profession will be achieved,” the association declared.

As of the time of filing this report, the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, had not issued an official response to the doctors’ demands.