NARD orders strike at OOUTH
By Dele Anofi, Abuja • Union demands justice over assault on female doctor The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching
By Dele Anofi, Abuja
• Union demands justice over assault on female doctor
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, to embark on an immediate withdrawal of services following an alleged assault on a female house officer.
In a statement yesterday by its President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajeed Yahya Ibrahim, NARD described the incident as “shocking and barbaric”.
The association demanded an urgent action to ensure justice.
NARD said all its members in the hospital, including house officers, had been directed to “embark on an immediate withdrawal of services until safety assurances are guaranteed,” citing a zero-tolerance policy on assaults against health workers.
The association also warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to escalation.
“Failure to meet these demands promptly will compel escalation to a regional and national industrial dispute,” it said.
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NARD called for the “urgent identification, arrest, and prosecution of all individuals involved in this heinous act,” stressing that “justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done”.
According to the statement, the attack was allegedly carried out by seven men said to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, following the death of a patient at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit.
The victim, described as “an innocent, dedicated young doctor,” was reportedly singled out and assaulted after being identified as part of the team that attended to the patient.
“This is not only unacceptable, it is also intolerable. Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, not battlegrounds of violence,” NARD said.
“It is deeply disturbing that doctors, who continue to render selfless service under extremely challenging conditions… are now subjected to physical harm while discharging their duties.”
The association noted that such incidents threaten the integrity of the health system, adding: “Such acts strike at the very heart of our healthcare system and must be met with firm and decisive action.”
The association also called for institutional accountability, urging the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic to work with security agencies to ensure those responsible are apprehended and sanctioned.
It demanded that the institution “take responsibility for the actions of their students, including covering the full cost of medical care and providing adequate compensation to the assaulted doctor”.
NARD also urged the management of OOUTH to strengthen security within the facility.
“We call on the management of OOUTH, Sagamu, to urgently overhaul and reinforce the security architecture within the hospital premises. Proactive measures must be instituted to prevent a recurrence,” the statement said.
NARD expressed solidarity with its members in OOUTH and wished the victim a speedy recovery.
It said: “We extend our deepest sympathy to our assaulted colleague and wish her a swift recovery, physically, emotionally, and professionally.”
The association urged governments at all levels to prioritise the safety of health workers.
“The safety of doctors is non-negotiable. An injury to one is an injury to all… Healthcare workers must be protected. Justice must prevail,” NARD added.
