NARD Gives FG 21 Days Security Ultimatum
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared the rising cases of attacks, kidnappings and harassment of healthcare workers a national emergency.
The association said the growing insecurity facing doctors and other medical personnel now threatens the stability of Nigeria’s healthcare system and requires urgent government action.
The group revealed that at least 21 attacks on healthcare workers were recorded within the past year, affecting about 30 resident doctors.
It expressed concern that only a handful of the reported cases have reached the courts, while just one conviction has been secured despite the increasing number of incidents.
NARD warned that continued violence against medical workers could worsen the shortage of healthcare professionals, fuel the ongoing migration of doctors abroad and weaken emergency medical services.
The association said many healthcare workers now operate under fear, creating risks for patient care and hospital operations across the country.
They called for stronger security in hospitals, tougher laws against offenders, speedy prosecution of suspects and the creation of a national framework to protect healthcare workers from violence and intimidation.
