The Association of Resident Doctors at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (ARD-KWASUTH) on Thursday began a 48-hour warning strike following the alleged assault of one of its members at the hospital’s maternity ward.
Dr. Abdulfatai Abdulazeez, the association’s president, announced the strike during a news conference held alongside a protest at the facility. He described the incident as deeply regrettable and a threat to healthcare workers’ safety.
He condemned the assault on the doctor and other health workers, warning that such actions jeopardize healthcare delivery and undermine the safety of professionals dedicated to saving lives.
Abdulazeez called on hospital management and the public to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to violence against medical personnel, emphasizing that a safe and respectful environment is essential for effective healthcare delivery.
He stressed that the association remains committed to patient care despite these challenges but demanded urgent measures to protect workers’ dignity and ensure swift action against offenders.
According to him, failure to meet the association’s demands could result in a total withdrawal of services for a week, while urging constructive engagement with stakeholders to resolve the issue.
Dr. Daniel Amao, vice president of ARD-KWASUTH, said past efforts by the Nigerian Medical Association included committees addressing assaults on healthcare workers, but stronger protection is still needed. He added that doctors are committed to service, insisting they deserve safety, dignity, and respect in their duties.
In response, Chief Medical Director Dr. Ola Ahmed condemned the alleged assault, calling it barbaric, and confirmed that two suspects had been handed over to the police. He appealed to the union to reconsider the strike, warning that patients would bear the consequences, while assuring that management remains committed to protecting healthcare workers and improving service delivery.
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 hospital violence.
