FMC Abeokuta resident doctors begin 3-day strike over recurring theft

By James Ogunnaike

Medical services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, may be disrupted as the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has launched a three‑day warning strike. The action follows a serious security breach at the House Officers’ Quarters on the hospital premises.

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

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

The communiqué issued after the meeting listed the stolen items as five mobile phones, a laptop computer, cash, and a driver’s licence.

The doctors described the incident as the latest example of long‑standing security deficiencies within the hospital, warning that the safety of healthcare workers can no longer be guaranteed under the current circumstances.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Dr. Olanipekun Quadri Arise‑Kola, President of ARD, FMC Abeokuta, said the strike was necessary after 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 that must be addressed as a matter of urgency by the medical centre’s management.

Among the demands are the replacement or adequate compensation for 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.

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

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