By Oluwakemi Kindness
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday has backed a 48-hour warning strike by doctors at Central Hospital, Warri, following the assault of two medical personnel by a bereaved father.
The incident occurred on Saturday at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, under the Delta State Hospitals Management Board, after a Senior Registrar and a House Officer informed the man of the death of his newborn.
In a statement signed by NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajeed Ibrahim, the association strongly condemns the attack, describing it as “barbaric” and unjustifiable.
NARD confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody but stressed that swift prosecution is necessary to serve as a deterrent.
The association said the incident reflects a growing trend of violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria and called for urgent action to address the situation.
Among its demands are improved security across health facilities, immediate prosecution of the suspect, and comprehensive support, including compensation and psychosocial care, for the affected doctors.
NARD also warned against any form of intimidation or victimization of its members, insisting it would resist such actions.
The association cautioned that continued threats or repression could escalate tensions within the health sector and potentially trigger wider industrial action.
It maintained that the ongoing strike in Warri is justified, emphasizing that healthcare workers must be guaranteed safety, dignity, and respect in the line of duty.
Globally, violence against healthcare workers remains a serious concern. The World Health Organisation estimates that between 8 and 38 per cent of health workers experience physical violence at some point in their careers.
