The Nigeria Association of Government Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGMDP) at the General Hospital, Ilorin, have commenced two days strike over an alleged assault on their colleague.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Ola Ahmed communicated on behalf of the association about how the entire club is seriously angry about the harassment.
He also said that the doctors were forced to down tools due to the frequent threat to their lives.
He started “After an emergency congress, the doctors have unanimously agreed that no doctor will work in the Hospital for 48 hours. We are tired of being a punching bag by the public.”
He further explained that a Sergeant attached to the mobile police unit attacked and assaulted one of the doctors at the general hospital.
However, he narrated that at around 5 p.m. on Sunday (Feb. 26), the doctor was assaulted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology unit, by a police sergeant who brought his sick wife for treatment.
“The doctor conducted the necessary test and she was later discharged. The sergeant however came back to the hospital and attacked the doctor who examined his wife.
“The sergeant alleged that the doctor did not seek his consent before examining his wife and that in his culture it is a taboo,” he added.
Ahmed pointed out that the woman was not a minor but an adult, adding that there was a chaperone around before the test was conducted.
He observed that the doctor sustained an injury before he was rescued by the police officer.
He noted that the accused person had been arrested and is presently detained by the Police.
“It is terrible that this is happening to us. Our workload is coupled with all the social issues including Naira and fuel scarcity.
“We come to work as early as 7 a.m. and go home late, and people we are trying to save are abusing and attacking doctors.
“We have used all necessary means to enlighten the public through jingles, banners, and talk shows on warning the public to desist from assaulting doctors.
“Similar incident happened at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH). If people are ready to take the law into their hands, we will not allow our doctors to die,” he said.
Ahmed explained that they are not blaming the state government in any way, but merely safeguarding the lives of their members.
Reacting to the development, Dr. Bola Abdulkadir, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of General Hospital, Ilorin, said that management was aware of the incident and is doing all it can to de-escalate the situation.
Abdulkadir also confirmed that the state government was aware of the attack and is doing all it can to ensure the safety of doctors.
“We appeal to them that the management and the state government are doing everything possible to prevent such a situation from again.
“The Consultants will continue to care for patients, so there will be skeletal services that will be rendered,” he assured.
The CMD commended the efforts and sacrifice of all health workers in ensuring they save the lives of people in the hospital.
