Abuja: The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria has expressed concern over rising cases of violence against healthcare workers across the country. Chairman of the committee, Prof. Saad Ahmed, raised the concern in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja following reports of assaults, harassment and intimidation of medical personnel nationwide. Ahmed, who is also Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, described the development as disturbing and capable of further weakening Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, healthcare workers continue to sacrifice daily to save lives in spite of difficult conditions, heavy workloads, and emotionally demanding situations across hospitals nationwide. Ahmed emphasized that medical personnel deserve respect, protection, and understanding while performing their duties rather than being exposed to threats, attacks, and intimidation in hospitals. He warned that violence against health workers could negatively affect patient care, staff morale, and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery across the country’s health system.
Ahmed highlighted the serious physical and psychological consequences for already overburdened healthcare professionals working under significant pressure in hospitals nationwide. He noted that hostile working conditions could discourage professionals, worsen burnout, and further deepen workforce retention challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector currently.
The chairman called on governments, hospital managements, security agencies, labour unions, community leaders, and the public to collectively address the growing menace in healthcare facilities nationwide. He emphasised the need for stronger institutional policies, improved hospital security systems, public sensitisation, and strict enforcement of laws against perpetrators of violence in hospitals. Ahmed also appealed to patients and relatives to remain calm and cooperative during emergencies, noting that medical situations could often be emotionally difficult for families involved.
According to him, patience, understanding, and effective communication between healthcare workers and patients’ families are essential for better healthcare outcomes during emergencies across hospitals. Ahmed reaffirmed the commitment of federal tertiary hospitals to continue providing quality healthcare services despite the prevailing challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare system nationwide. He added that safer and more supportive working environments remained essential for healthcare professionals to effectively discharge their duties across hospitals throughout the country.
‘Protecting healthcare professionals is not only necessary for the wellbeing of medical personnel, but also essential for strengthening the country’s healthcare system,’ he said.