Wike Promises Better Welfare For FCTA Medical Doctors

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has promised better welfare for FCTA medical doctors and improved medical services in all the hospitals.

The Minister, who stated this during a meeting with medical unions in Abuja, said the recent circular on 8-year tenure retirement was an issue of concern, but the administration would study the matter carefully.

Wike, who was represented by the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, explained that the eight years did not only affect the medical sector but some other sectors.

“We have a guideline that exempts the medical doctors from the circular, so we need to have a backup document to speak on the matter.

“I will have to meet with the heads of departments, stakeholders, and other sectors concerning recalling the letter, and I assure you that we will do our best and come out with something good. she said.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA FCT chapter, Dr. Ugwuanyi Charles, said the union pleads with the Honourable Minister to look into the letter.

“The removal of some of the hospital consultants will affect the once-available staff and cause great burnout in our hospital.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Medical and Dental Council Association of Nigeria, MDCAN FCT Chapter, Dr. Musa Emmanuel, noted that the rules were not followed accordingly and the retirement was done by people who did not know the rules or chose to ignore them.

“The FCT’s medical and health care services are accessible and affordable to everyone, but the retirement will affect the sector greatly, and the letter is worrisome, he added.

On his part, the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, FCTA, Dr. Rahmon Olayinka Sodiq, pointed out that people from neighbouring states like Nasarawa and Kogi need to retain more consultants.

“People from Nasarawa and Kogi access medical services in FCT centres because they believe in FCT medical care, but who are those consultants that will be present? We hope that the letter will be reverted.