UITH resident doctors begin warning strike over ‘assault against member’

The leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (ARD-UITH), has declared a five-day warning strike over the alleged assault of a member of the association.

Mariam Shiru, president of the association, announced the warning strike in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state, on Wednesday during a protest against the alleged assault.

The protesting doctors carried placards with inscriptions such as “End Assault Against Doctors,” “Doctors Lives Matter,” “Doctors Save Lives,” and “Don’t Kill Us,” among other inscriptions.

Shiru said patients at the hospital would experience a complete shutdown of work by members of the association as they expressed their grievances over what they described as frequent incidents of assault.

“The incident occurred in the echocardiography room, where a resident doctor on duty was slapped three times on the cheek,” NAN quoted her as saying.

“The doctor was also kicked in the groin by the son of a patient, causing physical and psychological trauma to the victim.”

Shiru added that the victim was devastated adding that the incident had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among healthcare workers at the hospital.

“We are no longer assured of our safety, and hence, we condemn this act. Some patients do not appreciate us despite our commitment to providing quality care,” she said.

She noted that the incident was just one of many cases of assault against medical doctors in UITH.

“Some of these cases have even resulted in the loss of lives and properties of our members,” Shiru said.

Shiru said the association had once reported a case of assault against a medical doctor by three relatives of a patient.

“The relatives pinned him to the wall and landed several blows on his face before he was rescued,” she said.

“It has been two years since that perpetrator was charged to court, and judgement is still pending.

“Such delays in the administration of justice energise impunity and undermine the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals.”

Shiru also highlighted other incidents, including the theft of a female resident doctor’s phone in the call room.

“The association has recorded numerous cases of stolen properties,” she said.

However, she commended the hospital management for promptly arresting the culprit involved in the latest assault.

The association called for a comprehensive medical evaluation and management of the victim, with all costs to be borne by the assailant.