Ilorin:<Text>
The Association of Resident Doctors at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (ARD-KWASUTH) initiated a 48-hour warning strike after an alleged assault on one of its members in the hospital’s maternity ward.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Abdulfatai Abdulazeez, the President of ARD-KWASUTH, announced the strike during a news conference held alongside a protest at the hospital. He expressed that the incident posed a significant threat to the safety of healthcare workers. The assault reportedly occurred when a doctor was explaining hospital charges to a patient’s relative, leading to a physical attack on the doctor. A nurse present was also assaulted during the incident.
Dr. Abdulazeez condemned the attack, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize healthcare delivery and the safety of professionals dedicated to saving lives. He urged both hospital management and the public to adopt a zero-tolerance stance against violence towards medic
al staff, highlighting the necessity of a safe and respectful environment for effective healthcare.
He further stated that while the association remains committed to patient care despite challenges, there is a demand for urgent measures to protect workers’ dignity and prompt action against offenders. He warned that failure to address these demands could result in a total withdrawal of services for a week and called for constructive dialogue with stakeholders to resolve the matter.
Dr. Daniel Amao, Vice President of ARD-KWASUTH, noted that previous efforts by the Nigerian Medical Association included forming committees to address assaults on healthcare workers. However, he emphasized the need for stronger protective measures, asserting that doctors are committed to service and deserve safety, dignity, and respect in their duties.
In response, Dr. Ola Ahmed, Chief Medical Director of KWASUTH, condemned the assault, describing it as barbaric, and confirmed th
at two suspects were handed over to the police. He appealed to the union to reconsider the strike, warning that patients would suffer the consequences, and assured that management is committed to safeguarding healthcare workers and improving service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the protesting health workers carried placards with messages such as ‘Hands that heal should not bleed’ and ‘Stop assaults on healthcare workers,’ calling for an end to violence in hospitals.
<P/></Text>