The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, is threatening to embark on a nationwide industrial action over the growing wave of assaults, harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers across the country.
The association accused the Federal Government and security agencies of failing to protect healthcare personnel from violence, intimidation and unlawful arrests.
NARD disclosed that no fewer than 17 tertiary health institutions recorded cases of attacks on doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers within one year, warning that the deteriorating situation could cripple healthcare services if urgent action is not taken.
The latest outrage followed the controversial raid by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, UUTH, Akwa Ibom State, where Professor Eyo Ekpe, a cardiothoracic surgeon and Deputy Chairman of the hospital’s Medical Advisory Committee, was arrested.
The association warned that unless concrete and visible steps are taken to halt attacks on doctors and prosecute offenders before the end of its 2026 Ordinary General Meeting, OGM, it would no longer guarantee industrial peace.
