By our Reporter
Healthcare services at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, were partially disrupted on Saturday as doctors and nurses commenced an industrial action over repeated assaults on healthcare workers within the facility.
The strike was declared by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), UCH chapter, alongside the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), UCH chapter, following an alleged attack on medical personnel at the hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit.
The incident reportedly occurred after the death of a critically ill patient who had been receiving treatment at the hospital.
According to the President of ARD, UCH, Dr. Uthman Adedeji, two doctors and a nurse were physically assaulted by a relative of the deceased patient, while other hospital workers, including a security officer and staff of the Public Relations Unit, were verbally abused during the altercation.
Adedeji condemned the attack, describing it as part of a growing trend of violence against healthcare workers within the hospital.
He explained that the patient was admitted in a critical condition and that family members had been informed about the seriousness of the illness from the onset.
“Unfortunately, despite all medical efforts and over 24 hours of intensive care, the patient passed away,” he said.
According to him, the deceased’s brother, identified as Mr. Sharafa Oyenigba, allegedly assaulted a nurse inside the resuscitation bay before attacking doctors and other hospital staff who attempted to intervene.
“The nurse was assaulted repeatedly, and when the doctor on duty tried to stop the attack, his clothes were torn and he was beaten,” Adedeji stated.
He further alleged that the suspect remained confrontational even after being taken into police custody.
The ARD president stressed that dissatisfaction with medical services should never result in violence, noting that there are established procedures for lodging complaints against hospital personnel.
He warned that continued attacks on healthcare workers could severely affect healthcare delivery and morale among medical professionals.
Adedeji also disclosed that incidents of assault had become increasingly frequent within the hospital, revealing that another doctor and a security officer were attacked in separate incidents earlier in the week.
Similarly, the Chairman of NANNM, UCH chapter, Matron Olufunmilola Fanimu, condemned the assaults, describing them as inhumane and dangerous.
“Nurses are frontline caregivers and should not be subjected to any form of violence while carrying out their duties,” she said.
Fanimu explained that the three-day warning strike was intended to draw attention to the dangers healthcare workers face daily in the line of duty.
“Violence is not only physical. Verbal abuse is also a form of violence against healthcare providers,” she added.
She warned that the increasing hostility against healthcare professionals could further fuel the migration of doctors and nurses abroad in search of safer working environments.
Meanwhile, sources said the suspect involved in the incident is currently being detained at the Yemetu Police Station in Ibadan.
Attempts to get an official response from the management of UCH were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
