The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over what it described as increasing assaults, harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers across the country.
The association warned that hospitals are becoming increasingly unsafe for doctors, nurses and other health professionals, citing at least 17 tertiary health institutions that recorded attacks on healthcare workers within the past year.
NARD said the growing trend of violence against medical personnel could cripple healthcare services if urgent measures are not taken to protect workers and prosecute offenders.
The latest incident involved the arrest of a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Professor Eyo Ekpe, during a raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The incident sparked outrage within the medical community and led the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Akwa Ibom State to commence an indefinite strike.
The association also threatened legal action against the anti-graft agency, demanding N1 billion in damages.
In a statement, NARD said healthcare workers have continued to suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, destruction of personal belongings and psychological distress due to repeated attacks.
The association lamented that despite reports of arrests in some cases, offenders are rarely prosecuted, creating a culture of impunity that encourages further violence against healthcare workers.
According to NARD, hospitals affected by such incidents include University College Hospital, Ibadan; Federal Medical Centre, Owo; Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka; University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; National Hospital, Abuja; and several others across the country.
NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the trend as alarming, noting that cases of assault and harassment against doctors have become increasingly frequent.
He said the association is demanding stronger security measures in hospitals and legislation that would criminalise attacks on healthcare workers.
The association warned that if decisive action is not taken by relevant authorities, it may be forced to reconsider its position on industrial harmony and mobilise members for further action.
NARD stressed that protecting healthcare workers is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring uninterrupted medical services for patients nationwide.
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