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 the alleged assault of a female house officer.
In a statement on Tuesday, the association condemned what it
described as a “shocking and barbaric physical assault” on the doctor,
allegedly carried out by a group of about seven men reported to be students of
Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
According to the association, the doctor was attacked at the
hospital’s accident and emergency unit after being identified as part of the
team that attended to a patient who later died.
“This horrifying incident represents a gross violation of
human dignity, professional sanctity, and the safety of healthcare workers,”
the statement reads.
“The victim; an innocent, dedicated young doctor, was
singled out and brutally attacked following the unfortunate loss of a patient.”
NARD described the incident as unacceptable and warned that
violence against healthcare workers must not be tolerated.
As part of its response, the association directed all its
members at OOUTH, including house officers, to withdraw their services until
safety guarantees are put in place.
“Hospitals are sanctuaries of healing, not battlegrounds of
violence. It is deeply disturbing that doctors, who continue to render selfless
service under extremely challenging conditions — including delayed remuneration
and overwhelming workloads, are now subjected to physical harm while
discharging their duties,” the statement reads.
“Such acts strike at the very heart of our healthcare system
and must be met with firm and decisive action.
“In line with our zero-tolerance stance on assaults against
our members, all NARD members at OOUTH Sagamu including House Officers, are
hereby directed to embark on an immediate withdrawal of services until safety
assurances are guaranteed.”
The association also demanded the immediate arrest and
prosecution of persons involved in the attack.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,”
NARD said.
It further called on the management of Gateway ICT
Polytechnic to collaborate with security agencies to apprehend the suspects and
“take responsibility for the actions of their students”, including covering the
victim’s medical expenses and compensation.
NARD also urged the management of OOUTH to strengthen
security within the hospital to prevent a recurrence.
“Proactive measures must be instituted to prevent a
recurrence, alongside addressing all welfare concerns affecting our members,”
it said.
The association warned that failure to meet its demands
could lead to an escalation of the dispute nationwide, noting that “the safety
of doctors is non-negotiable”.
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