Declare attack on healthcare workers as national emergency – Enabulele

The immediate past president of the World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has issued a stern warning that addressing violence against healthcare workers is crucial for securing the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He emphasised the need for declaring acts of violence against healthcare workers as a national emergency, with corresponding prioritized investments into the healthcare system and the well-being, working conditions, safety, and security of healthcare workers.

Speaking as a guest lecturer at the 2nd Induction/Oath-taking ceremony of medical graduates of Edo State University, Uzairue, Dr Enabulele lamented that despite their frontline roles in managing victims of conflicts and wars, physicians and other health professionals often become primary victims of violence in various parts of the world.

“Physicians and other healthcare workers, despite their critical roles in society, continue to face acts of violence that undermine Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system. This violence has become a significant factor driving the brain drain of healthcare professionals from Nigeria’s healthcare sector,” he expressed.

Dr Enabulele highlighted the disturbing trend of conflict parties violating humanitarian laws and attacking health facilities and personnel with impunity, even using ambulances for combat purposes.

He called for a thorough investigation into all forms of attacks against healthcare workers and advocated for the punishment of those responsible for such acts. The former WMA president emphasized that addressing violence against healthcare workers requires the active involvement of various stakeholders, including medical doctors, health professionals, and their respective associations.

“All attacks on healthcare workers, whether in peaceful or armed conflict contexts, must be rigorously investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice,” he added.

Furthermore, Dr. Enabulele urged for improved security measures for Nigerians and the Nigerian state, including safer workplaces, decent pay, and improved working conditions to ensure a secure and safe environment for healthcare workers.

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