NARD demands arrest of attackers after doctor assaulted at Ogun hospital

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in the assault of a medical doctor and other healthcare workers at the Mother and Child Hospital, Mowe, an annex of the Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), Aro, in Ogun State, following the death of a critically ill patient.

In a statement issued on Thursday, NARD condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable, and called on security agencies to ensure justice for the affected health workers. The association also demanded compensation for the victims and improved security measures in health facilities across the country.

According to NARD, the incident occurred after relatives of a deceased patient accused a doctor of causing the patient’s death following the administration of intravenous medication as part of emergency medical care. The association said the relatives allegedly descended on the doctor and other healthcare workers, physically assaulting them over what it described as unsubstantiated allegations.

NARD further alleged that the police arrested the assaulted doctor, alongside a nurse and an administrative staff member who attempted to rescue him from the attack, while the assailants were allowed to go free. Although the doctor has since been granted bail, the matter remains unresolved, according to the association.

The association’s leadership, led by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, said the continued harassment, intimidation, and physical assault of healthcare workers had become intolerable and required urgent action from authorities.

“NARD strongly frowns at this shameful act of violence, humiliation, intimidation and wrongful apprehension of healthcare workers who dedicated themselves to saving lives under difficult and emotionally charged circumstances,” the statement said.

Among its demands, NARD called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the attack, adequate compensation for the assaulted doctor, nurse, and administrative staff, the strengthening of security architecture within health facilities, and assurances from authorities that healthcare workers would be protected from similar incidents in the future.

The association said it stood firmly with the Association of Resident Doctors, NPH Aro, on all lawful actions taken in response to the incident and urged the government and relevant stakeholders to act swiftly.

NARD also sympathised with the victims and commended the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors, NPH Aro, and the Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun State branch, for their intervention and support.

“Healthcare workers are not punching bags. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement added.