The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors says attacks on healthcare workers are escalating, with 17 tertiary hospitals nationwide reporting cases of violence against doctors in the last 12 months. NARD described the pattern as a direct danger to patient care and the health sector.

Data compiled by the association shows the incidents cut across multiple states. Facilities affected include UCH Ibadan, FMC Owo, OOUTH Sagamu, COOUTH Awka, DESUTH Oghara, Warri General Hospital, AEFUTHA Abakaliki, FMC Jabi Abuja, KWASUTH Ilorin, UDUTH Sokoto, UUTH Uyo, UNTH Enugu, National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu, FMC Jalingo, National Hospital Abuja, ATBUTH Bauchi.

Resident doctors say perpetrators are mostly relatives of patients or family members dissatisfied with medical outcomes. NARD warned that repeated assaults are creating a hostile work environment, accelerating brain drain as physicians weigh options outside Nigeria.

Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, NARD National President, said the association can no longer tolerate a situation where doctors face aggression while saving lives. He urged government, hospital managements, and security agencies to treat the crisis as urgent and enforce accountability.

Source: Punch news.