NARD condemns assault on Doctor in Ogun hospital, demands arrest of attackers
By Precious Mark
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly condemned the assault on a medical doctor at the Mother and Child Hospital, Mowe, an annex of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH) Aro in Ogun State, describing the incident as barbaric and a disturbing reflection of the growing insecurity faced by healthcare workers across the country.
Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association’s President, said in a statement on Thursday that NARD viewed the incident with deep concern and condemnation, insisting that the persistent assault and intimidation of healthcare workers across the country must be brought to an end.
According to the association, the attack occurred following the death of a critically ill patient who was receiving emergency treatment at the facility.
NARD said relatives of the deceased allegedly accused the attending doctor of causing the patient’s death and subsequently descended on the doctor and other healthcare workers in a violent attack.
The association further expressed concern that the assaulted doctor, alongside a nurse and an administrative staff member who reportedly intervened to rescue the doctor, were arrested by the police, while those responsible for the assault were not immediately apprehended.
Although the doctor has since been granted bail, NARD said the matter remains unresolved and justice has yet to be served.
The association described the incident as a shameful act of violence, intimidation and wrongful treatment of health workers who were carrying out their professional duties under difficult and emotionally charged circumstances.
It noted that the recurring cases of harassment, bullying and physical attacks on healthcare workers in various parts of the country have become unacceptable and require urgent intervention from government and security agencies.
Consequently, NARD demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the attack, as well as adequate compensation for the assaulted doctor, nurse and administrative staff for the physical injuries, emotional trauma and reputational damage suffered.
The association also called for the strengthening of security measures in health facilities nationwide to ensure the safety of healthcare workers and patients, while urging authorities to provide assurances that medical personnel would no longer be subjected to violence and degrading treatment in the course of their duties.
NARD pledged its support for the Association of Resident Doctors of NPH Aro and endorsed all lawful actions taken in response to the incident, warning that failure to address such attacks could further worsen the challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.
The association sympathised with the victims of the attack and commended the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors, NPH Aro, and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Ogun State branch, for their prompt intervention and support.
“Healthcare workers are not punching bags. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement added.