The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened a nationwide strike over what it described as escalating attacks, harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers in public hospitals across the country.
The association said the warning followed a recent incident involving the harassment of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials at a hospital in Akwa Ibom State, which it said reflects a broader pattern of violence in health facilities.
“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has threatened a nationwide strike over rising attacks, harassment, and intimidation of doctors and healthcare workers in public hospitals.”
NARD said healthcare workers were increasingly operating under unsafe conditions and demanded urgent reforms to protect medical personnel in hospitals.
“The association is demanding strict hospital protection policies, compensation for victims, and deployment of security in all health facilities.”
It also called on the federal government to issue an executive order mandating the prosecution of anyone who assaults healthcare workers or invades medical facilities.
The doctors warned that failure to take “concrete, visible, and decisive steps” before the end of its May 2026 Ordinary General Meeting could trigger a breakdown of industrial peace in the health sector.
NARD stressed that continued attacks on medical staff were undermining healthcare delivery and putting both workers and patients at risk across public hospitals.
Erizia Rubyjeana
