By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has threatened to embark on an industrial action following the alleged assault of a female house officer at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its President, Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association described the incident as “shocking and barbaric,” warning that failure to address the situation could trigger a nationwide strike.
According to NARD, the doctor was allegedly attacked by seven men suspected to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic following the death of a patient at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency unit. The association said the victim was targeted after being identified as part of the medical team that attended to the deceased.
NARD condemned the attack, stating that it represents a grave violation of the safety, dignity, and professional sanctity of healthcare workers. The association stressed that hospitals should remain safe spaces for healing, not environments where medical personnel are subjected to violence.
As part of its immediate response, NARD directed its members at the Sagamu-based hospital to withdraw their services pending adequate assurances of safety.
The association also called for the urgent identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for the attack, insisting that justice must be served.
It further urged the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic to collaborate with security agencies in apprehending the suspects and to take responsibility for the actions of its students, including covering the victim’s medical expenses and providing compensation.
NARD also called on the management of the teaching hospital to strengthen security within its premises and address welfare concerns affecting healthcare workers.
The association expressed solidarity with the assaulted doctor and wished her a speedy recovery, while warning that failure to meet its demands could lead to escalation into a broader industrial dispute.
It also appealed to government at all levels to prioritise the protection of healthcare workers and enforce strict penalties against violence in medical facilities, stressing that the safety of doctors remains non-negotiable.
