The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the attack on a resident doctor at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) in Kwara State. The group is calling for the quick prosecution of the person accused of the assault.
In a statement signed by its President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, NARD described the incident as “barbaric.” They are asking for stronger measures to keep healthcare workers safe from violence.
NARD reported that the attack happened on Wednesday at the Emergency Paediatrics Unit of UITH. This was after a baby receiving treatment at the hospital sadly passed away.
The association claims that a relative of the deceased child attacked a female Senior Registrar in the Department of Paediatrics. The assailant pushed her against a wooden table, injuring her back. The person also verbally insulted other healthcare workers, including a professor, before being stopped.
“NARD views this barbaric act as a direct assault not only on our colleague but on the entire medical profession,” the group stated. They emphasized that no healthcare worker should experience violence while trying to care for patients.
Call for prosecution
NARD praised the acting Chief Medical Director and UITH management for their quick response. They ensured the suspect was arrested and handed over to the police.
But NARD insists that the arrest must lead to prosecution. The association urged hospital management to follow all legal steps “without compromise or interference.” They want to hold the suspect accountable and prevent future attacks on healthcare workers.
Support a warning strike
NARD also expressed support for decisions made by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at UITH after an emergency meeting about the incident.
They backed the branch’s choice to start a warning strike and organize a peaceful protest. They are demanding better security at the hospital. The association called on UITH to enhance safety measures, manage crowds better, raise public awareness against violence towards healthcare workers, and display anti-assault policies visibly within the hospital.
Implementation of anti-assault recommendations
Looking beyond the UITH incident, NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to quickly release and act on the report from the Committee on Anti-Assaults Against Healthcare Workers.
They noted that the increasing number of attacks on health workers across Nigeria shows the urgent need to carry out the committee’s recommendations to improve safety in health facilities.
The association also called on the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare to instruct the chief medical directors and medical directors of federal health institutions to fully implement the committee’s recommendations.
“The safety and security of healthcare workers must remain a top priority,” NARD declared. They wished the injured doctor a quick recovery and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting healthcare workers from violence.
“An injury to one doctor is an injury to all,” the association said.
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