Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are grappling with the devastating effects of an ongoing strike by health workers, as essential medical services in Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across the region have come to a complete standstill. Patients seeking medical attention have been left stranded, with many facing the harsh reality of being unable to access the most basic health services, amid growing concerns over the public health implications of the strike.
The strike, which commenced earlier this week, was called by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), in collaboration with the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), and other health sector unions. The workers are protesting several unresolved issues, including delayed salaries, poor working conditions, and insufficient healthcare facilities. These grievances have been simmering for months, but the workers have now reached a breaking point.
Many Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs), which are the first point of contact for most Nigerians seeking healthcare services, have been severely affected. In several of these centres, patients have been left without treatment or care, forcing them to either return home or seek alternative healthcare providers — a situation that many in low-income communities find difficult or impossible to manage.
In Jabi, Nyanya, Wuse, and Gwagwalada, some of the busiest districts in the FCT, patients reported long queues and overcrowding at private clinics and hospitals, as they were unable to receive care at their usual PHCs. Some families with critically ill members have been forced to spend large sums of money to access private healthcare services, further deepening the burden on those already financially strained by the cost of living.
The strike comes in response to longstanding grievances raised by health workers in the FCT. According to union leaders, health professionals working in the region have faced persistent challenges, including:
Unpaid Salaries and Allowances: Many workers in the FCT’s public healthcare sector have reported delays in receiving their monthly salaries and allowances. Despite promises by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to address this issue, many employees have gone months without payment.
Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure: Union leaders argue that healthcare facilities in the FCT are underfunded and poorly equipped. Despite being the capital of the nation, many PHCs lack basic medical equipment such as diagnostic tools, essential medications, and proper sanitation facilities, which severely hamper the ability of health workers to provide adequate care.
Staff Shortages: There is also a severe shortage of medical professionals, with many PHCs unable to operate at full capacity due to a lack of qualified staff. This has left remaining workers overwhelmed, contributing to burnout and high turnover rates.
Poor Working Conditions: Health workers have consistently complained about the challenging working conditions they face daily. From poor office spaces to unsafe working environments, the strain of these conditions has prompted a call for urgent reforms.
The unions representing the health workers argue that these issues are exacerbated by the federal government’s inaction and unwillingness to prioritize the healthcare sector, especially in the capital city.
The ongoing strike has significant implications for the residents of the FCT, particularly those in vulnerable communities. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are among the hardest hit, as these groups often require regular check-ups and medical attention. With the PHCs closed, the availability of healthcare services has become limited, forcing families to scramble for alternatives.
For many people, the inability to access treatment could lead to serious health consequences. Preventive care, which is the foundation of primary healthcare services, is not available to the thousands of individuals who rely on PHCs for routine immunizations, maternal and child health services, and the management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Many patients who need urgent attention for conditions such as malaria, respiratory infections, and minor injuries are now facing significant delays, with overcrowded private hospitals struggling to meet the increased demand.
The Federal Ministry of Health, alongside local health authorities, has called for dialogue with the unions in an attempt to resolve the crisis. In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, expressed deep concern over the impact of the strike on the vulnerable population, particularly children and women.
“We recognize the vital role our health workers play in providing care to Nigerians, and we are committed to addressing their concerns,” Ehanire stated. “The Federal Government is in discussions with the unions to find an amicable resolution to the issues surrounding salary payments, staffing shortages, and the overall working environment.”
However, sources within the health sector suggest that negotiations have not made significant progress, with unions remaining adamant about the need for immediate action. Workers have threatened to escalate the strike unless concrete steps are taken to address their demands.
With the strike showing no signs of ending soon, many experts are urging the government to take immediate and decisive action. Dr. Ifeanyi Nwosu, a public health expert, emphasized the importance of investing in primary healthcare and increasing funding to ensure the delivery of essential services. He noted that the strike reflects broader systemic issues within the healthcare sector that need urgent reform.
“Health workers are the backbone of our healthcare system, and without their proper remuneration and support, we cannot expect to achieve any meaningful healthcare improvements,” Nwosu said.
As the strike continues, the most vulnerable Nigerians remain at risk. Patients seeking medical care in the FCT have found themselves at the mercy of a healthcare system that is struggling under the weight of unresolved issues. With no immediate resolution in sight, the Federal Government and the relevant health authorities must act quickly to restore services at PHCs and address the grievances of healthcare workers before the situation worsens.
The longer the strike continues, the more dire the consequences will be, as millions of Nigerians are left without the critical healthcare they need. Both government and unions must work together to ensure that public health is not further compromised and that the essential work of healthcare professionals is appropriately valued and supported.
