KWASUTH doctors begins 48hours strike over assault on member
By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Association of Resident Doctors, Kwara State University Teaching Hospital ( ARD-KWASUTH) on Thursday commenced a 48-hour warning strike following the assault of its member at the maternity ward of the hospital.
The President of ARD-KWASUTH, Dr Abdulfatai Abdulazeez, disclosed this during a news conference organised on the sidelines of a protest carried out by the association.
He described the incidents as “deeply regrettable” and a threat to the safety of health workers in the hospital.
He condemned the assault on medical doctor and other healthcare workers
within the facility, warning that the trend endangers healthcare delivery in the state.
“They pose a serious risk to the safety and well-being of healthcare workers who dedicate themselves daily to saving lives and serving the people of Kwara State,” the President said.
Abdulazeez called on hospital management and the public to adopt a “zero-tolerance stance” toward aggression against medical personnel.
He stressed that a secure and respectful work environment is “essential for effective healthcare delivery,” not a privilege.
“The safety of those who save lives must remain a shared priority,” the President added, urging “prompt and appropriate measures be taken to protect health workers’ dignity.” he said
He stated that despite the challenges, the ARD reaffirms its commitment to professional duties and patient care.
According to him, the association looks forward to “constructive engagement” with hospital management, government,
security agencies, and the public to create a safer hospital environment.
Abdulazeez warned that if the demands of the association is not met by the management, the union will withdraw services for a week.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the association, Dr Daniel Amao explained tha the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) had in the past made efforts in addressing the issues of assault on healthcare workers through setting up committees.
“We are not fighting the government. We are sacrificing to serve the populace and as such, we must be treated well with dignity and be safe,” he said.
In his reaction, Dr Ola Ahmed, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH), condemned the assault of the healthcare workers.
He explained that the two assailant comprising of male and female were apprehended and in the custody of police in Kwara.
Ahmed assured the healthcare workers that the management is committed to protecting all the healthcare workers a dn providing optimal service.
“The assault on doctors and healthcare workers is a barbaric act. But we appeal to the unions that it is unwise to disrupt services because other people will bear the brunt,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the healthcare workers carried inscription during the protest such as “Hands that heal, should not bleed, say no to assault on doctor”.
Others are: “Your grief or anger must not cost us out lives: end violence/anger against health workers”, and “Stop assaults against nurses, we save lives , don’t end ours”, it read.(NAN)
