FMC Abeokuta workers start 72-hour warning strike

Workers at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, started a 72-hour warning strike on Monday. They took this action after a medical laboratory scientist was allegedly stabbed by a relative of a patient.

Abiodun Famuyiwa, the Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) at FMC Abeokuta, shared this news in an interview with NAN in Abeokuta.

Famuyiwa mentioned that the strike includes all workers at the center, except doctors. This follows the stabbing of Mr. Olasunkanmi Lawal, a medical laboratory scientist, while he was on duty on Sunday night.

“Mr. Lawal was stabbed in two places, including his head, with an object. He is now getting treatment at the hospital,” Famuyiwa said.

He labeled the attack as an unacceptable act of violence against a healthcare worker doing his job. He raised concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in the hospital. No worker should face physical attacks while delivering important medical services.

He also called for an investigation into the incident and urged that the person responsible be prosecuted according to the law. Famuyiwa urged the management to review and tighten security measures, especially in clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units, and other vulnerable spots.

The warning strike aims to show the union members' discontent, demand accountability, and push management to address security issues. The unions, under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), also confirmed the industrial action in a letter dated October 12, addressed to the Medical Director of the hospital.

The letter stated that the strike began at 11 a.m. on Monday and will end at 8 a.m. on Thursday. NAN reports that this letter was signed by representatives from various unions, including the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), MHWUN, and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM).

The letter said: “This barbaric act of violence against a healthcare worker carrying out his professional responsibility is condemnable and must not be treated lightly. We see this incident as a serious attack on the dignity, safety, and welfare of healthcare professionals who dedicate their time, knowledge, and energy to providing essential medical services to patients and the public.

“It is very disturbing that a place meant to save lives and promote healing has become a site where healthcare workers can be attacked while doing their lawful duties. No healthcare worker should face threats, assaults, or stabbings while providing care.

“Disagreement, frustration, or dissatisfaction with any service in the hospital cannot justify violence in any situation.” The letter also stated that this incident is not just an attack on the medical laboratory scientist, but on all workers at the center.

“An injury to one member of our professional community is a matter of collective concern. We cannot stay silent while the safety of our member is at risk,” it stated.