The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called for justice following the assault of a doctor and a nurse at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital, describing the incident as unacceptable and part of a worrying trend of attacks on healthcare workers.
In a statement released on Thursday, the association said the incident occurred while a female doctor was explaining hospital charges for a medical procedure to a patient’s relative. During the exchange, the doctor was physically attacked, and a nurse present at the scene was also assaulted.
NARD condemned the act, stressing that no healthcare worker should face violence while performing their duties.
“This is inhumane and unacceptable. No doctor, nurse, or health worker should be subjected to abuse or assault while rendering essential services,” the association said.
The group confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody, commending security operatives for their swift response. It, however, insisted that the matter must be fully prosecuted to ensure justice is served.
The association also expressed solidarity with the victims and the resident doctors at the hospital, backing their decision to embark on a one-week warning strike, alongside plans for a public protest and press briefing.
NARD further demanded compensation for the affected staff and called for improved security within hospitals, including the deployment of police personnel to sensitive areas.
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Reaffirming its position, the association said the safety and dignity of healthcare workers must not be compromised, warning that any attempt to intimidate its members over the industrial action could trigger a wider response.
The incident adds to growing concerns over frequent attacks on health workers in Nigeria, often linked to disputes over medical bills or dissatisfaction with treatment.
Medical bodies have repeatedly urged authorities to strengthen hospital security and enforce stricter protections, warning that continued violence could further weaken the healthcare system and worsen the migration of skilled professionals abroad.
