The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of two people allegedly involved in the assault of a medical officer at Gwarinpa General Hospital, Lifecamp, Abuja.
NARD made the demand in a statement issued on Friday, following the alleged assault of a senior medical officer while on call at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit on 31 August.
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According to the association, a patient physically attacked the doctor and his companion following a disagreement over his clinical assessment.
The alleged assailants also threatened the doctor and his family, NARD said.
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The association described the incident as unacceptable, saying it posed a serious threat to the safety, dignity and welfare of healthcare workers providing essential services to the public.
48-hour service reduction
NARD said it supports the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT Administration (ARD-FCTA), resolution to embark on a 48-hour step-down of services at Gwarinpa General Hospital.
The action commenced at 8 a.m. on 3 September and is expected to end at 8 a.m. on 5 September.
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The association said the action was in line with the North Central Caucus Guidelines for responding to assaults against its members.
NARD commended the leadership and Congress of ARD-FCTA for exercising “patience, restraint, and maturity” by giving relevant authorities a reasonable time to address the matter.
NARD demands action
The doctors’ association called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to immediately apprehend, investigate, and prosecute the alleged assailants in accordance with the law.
“Any delay in taking decisive action risks creating a dangerous precedent and further exposing healthcare workers to violence,” the association said.
NARD also urged the FCT Hospitals Management Board and other relevant authorities to strengthen security across healthcare facilities, particularly Accident and Emergency Units.
It said improved security was necessary to protect healthcare workers, patients and hospital property.
The association expressed solidarity with the affected doctor and his family, assuring its members that it remained committed to protecting their safety, dignity and welfare.
ALSO READ: Assault on doctor triggers fresh strike at teaching hospital, months after EFCC controversy
“Violence against healthcare workers is unacceptable,” NARD said, stressing that doctors must be allowed to perform their duties in a safe and secure environment.
Recent case
The incident comes amid renewed concerns over violence against healthcare workers and its impact on hospital services.
On Wednesday, resident doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, began an indefinite strike following the alleged assault of a house officer by an elderly woman at the hospital.
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State branch, gave the hospital management and security agencies 48 hours to identify and prosecute those responsible for the alleged assault.
The Uyo action followed another disruption at the same hospital in May, when doctors embarked on an indefinite strike after an operation by officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the facility triggered controversy over alleged assault and the arrest of hospital workers.
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