The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has demanded justice for a doctor and a nurse who were assaulted at the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital this month, condemning the incident and warning against rising attacks on healthcare workers in the country, reports Punch.
The association said it had received “with deep concern the report of yet another physical assault on healthcare worker”, noting that the incident occurred while a female doctor was professionally explaining hospital charges for a medical procedure to a patient’s relative.
A nurse who was present was also attacked.
The association described the attack as “inhumane and unacceptable,” adding that “no doctor, nurse, or health worker should be subjected to abuse or assault while rendering essential services to the public”.
The alleged assailant was currently in police custody, and NARD has insisted on full prosecution.
The association also backed resolutions reached by the hospital’s resident doctors during an emergency meeting, including a one-week warning strike, a public demonstration and a press conference.
It called for “appropriate justice and compensation for the assaulted doctor and nurse” as well as the deployment of “adequate security personnel, preferably police officers, to sensitive areas within the hospital”.
The group also warned against any attempt to intimidate or victimise its members over any proposed industrial action.
The incident has added to growing concerns over attacks on healthcare workers across Nigeria. Medical professionals have increasingly reported cases of verbal abuse, threats and physical assaults, often arising from disputes over medical bills, delays in care or dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes.
Professional bodies – including the Nigerian Medical Association – have repeatedly called for improved hospital security, stronger legal protections and better public awareness of patients’ rights and responsibilities.
The World Health Organisation has also warned that violence against health workers can weaken health systems, reduce morale and compromise patient care.
In Nigeria, stakeholders say the trend is contributing to frustration among health workers and worsening the ongoing brain drain in the sector.
The attack occurred at the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit after the doctors – a Senior Registrar and a House Officer – broke the news of a newborn’s death to the child’s father.
Punch article – NARD demands justice over assault of doctor, nurse at KWASUTH (Open access)
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