NARD condemns assault, arrest of doctor after patient dies at Ogun hospital

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly condemned what it termed a "barbaric" assault and arrest of a doctor and two other health workers. The incident took place at the Mother and Child Hospital in Mowe, Ogun State, following the death of a critically ill patient. Relatives of the deceased allegedly attacked the medical staff, claiming the doctor caused the death. NARD criticized the police for arresting the assaulted doctor, a nurse, and an administrative staff member who intervened, while the alleged attackers reportedly went free. Although the doctor has been granted bail, NARD insists the matter is unresolved and justice has not been served. The association is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in the assault. They also called for adequate compensation for the victims, citing the physical and emotional trauma they endured. Furthermore, NARD requested the deployment of enhanced security measures within healthcare facilities to protect both staff and patients. This incident highlights a growing pattern of violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria, which NARD describes as "unacceptable, intolerable, and must be decisively addressed." The association cited previous similar attacks, including one in February at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, and another in June, which led to a 72-hour warning strike by resident doctors.

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In an even more disturbing twist, the police reportedly arrested the assaulted doctor, alongside a nurse and an administrative staff member who had merely attempted to rescue the doctor from the violent attack, while the actual assailants walked free