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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Conflict & Security

NARD demands justice over assault of doctor, nurse at KWASUTH

From The Punch · (4h ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) demands justice after a doctor and a nurse were physically assaulted at Kwara State University Teaching Hospital.
  • The incident occurred while the doctor was explaining hospital charges to a patient's relative, leading to the assault of both healthcare workers.
  • NARD condemned the attack, called for the suspect's prosecution, and warned of wider industrial action if healthcare workers' safety is not ensured, including a potential one-week warning strike.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has voiced strong condemnation and demanded justice following a brutal physical assault on a doctor and a nurse at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH). This incident, which occurred while a female doctor was professionally explaining medical charges to a patient's relative, underscores the escalating danger faced by healthcare professionals in Nigeria.

with deep concern the report of yet another physical assault on healthcare workers

— Nigerian Association of Resident DoctorsExpressing dismay over the incident at KWASUTH.

NARD's statement highlighted the "inhumane and unacceptable" nature of the attack, emphasizing that no healthcare worker should endure abuse while providing essential services. The association commended the swift apprehension of the alleged assailant by security operatives and stressed the expectation of due process and full prosecution to ensure justice is served.

In the course of carrying out her duties, she was physically assaulted. A nurse who was also present was equally attacked.

— Nigerian Association of Resident DoctorsDescribing the assault on the doctor and nurse.

In solidarity with their assaulted colleagues, NARD announced support for resolutions by KWASUTH's resident doctors, including a one-week warning strike, a public demonstration, and a press conference. They are also demanding appropriate justice and compensation for the victims, alongside enhanced security within the hospital premises.

inhumane and unacceptable

— Nigerian Association of Resident DoctorsCondemning the attack on healthcare workers.

This event is symptomatic of a broader, alarming trend across Nigeria, where medical professionals increasingly face verbal abuse, threats, and physical assaults. These often stem from disputes over medical bills, treatment delays, or dissatisfaction with outcomes. NARD and other professional bodies have repeatedly appealed for improved hospital security and stronger legal protections, a call echoed by the World Health Organization, which has also warned about violence against healthcare workers.

no doctor, nurse, or health worker should be subjected to abuse or assault while rendering essential services to the public.

— Nigerian Association of Resident DoctorsStating the unacceptability of violence against healthcare providers.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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