30 Doctors Assaulted in One Year, Nigerian Association Warns of Systemic Crisis

Healthcare workers in Nigeria are facing escalating dangers, with at least 30 resident doctors experiencing assaults in the last year alone. Data compiled by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) reveals a disturbing trend of violence within hospitals, which are meant to be safe havens.

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Available statistics before the association reveal that within the last year alone, no fewer than 21 cases of assaults on healthcare workers were reported across the country, with about 30 resident doctors directly affected.

According to NARD, approximately 21 cases of assaults on healthcare workers were reported nationwide during the period, directly impacting about 30 resident doctors. The statistics highlight a severe lack of accountability, as fewer than five of these reported cases proceeded to court, and only one assailant has been convicted to date. This suggests that, on average, a healthcare worker is assaulted every two weeks in Nigeria.

The association emphasizes that hospitals have increasingly become unsafe environments, exposing doctors and other health personnel to threats, physical violence, emotional trauma, intimidation, harassment, and even kidnapping. This trend poses a significant threat not only to the well-being of healthcare workers but also to the nation's healthcare delivery system and overall health security.

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Shockingly, fewer than five cases were charged to court, while only one assailant has been convicted to date.

Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, the National President of NARD, described the situation as "intolerable, unacceptable, and dangerous to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system." He warned that the pervasive insecurity is fostering fear among doctors and worsening workforce shortages, as many consider leaving the country. NARD has vowed to take a stronger stance against the mistreatment of doctors, stating they will no longer tolerate doctors being treated as criminals within the institutions where they serve humanity.

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What this simply means is that in Nigeria today, approximately every two weeks, another case of assault against a healthcare worker is recorded.

NARD also highlighted recent threats against one of its members, stressing that any harm inflicted must be traced to the identified assailants. The violence against healthcare workers undermines patient care, erodes public confidence in the healthcare system, and exacerbates the brain drain crisis by discouraging professionals from remaining in Nigeria.

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This development is intolerable, unacceptable, and dangerous to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system.