Nigerian doctors strike OOUTH after a female house officer was assaulted, prompting NARD to demand justice and enhanced hospital security

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, on Tuesday directed members at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH, in Sagamu, Ogun State, to immediately embark on a strike following the alleged assault of a female house officer at the facility, triggering a Nigerian doctors strike OOUTH action in response to the incident.

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The directive was issued after reports that a young doctor was attacked at the Accident and Emergency unit of the hospital shortly after the death of a patient.

According to NARD, the house officer was allegedly singled out and assaulted by about seven individuals believed to be students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, after being identified as part of the medical team that attended to the deceased.

In a statement signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the association condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as shocking, barbaric and a serious breach of human dignity.

He emphasised that such acts pose a direct threat to the safety of healthcare workers who continue to operate under challenging conditions.

Dr Suleiman stressed that hospitals should remain safe environments dedicated to healing, warning that repeated incidents of violence against medical personnel undermine the integrity of the healthcare system.

He noted that doctors are already contending with heavy workloads and delayed remuneration, making the assault particularly concerning.

As part of its response, NARD ordered the immediate withdrawal of services by all resident doctors at OOUTH, including house officers, until adequate safety assurances are provided.

The association maintained that the action aligns with its zero tolerance stance on violence against medical professionals.

The doctors’ body also demanded the prompt identification, arrest and prosecution of those involved in the assault.

It warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to an escalation of the industrial action to a broader regional or national level.

NARD further urged the management of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, to cooperate with security agencies to ensure the alleged perpetrators are brought to justice.

It also called on the institution to take responsibility for the conduct of its students, including covering the victim’s medical expenses and providing compensation.

Additionally, the association appealed to the management of OOUTH Sagamu to strengthen its internal security framework.

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It said proactive measures must be implemented to prevent future incidents while also addressing welfare concerns affecting medical staff to ensure a safer working environment.