From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Resident doctors at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, have suspended clinical services after a colleague was allegedly assaulted by a bereaved mother whose child died while on admission.
The incident occurred at the hospital’s Paediatrics Department and sparked a protest by members of the Association of Resident Doctors, who called the attack “unacceptable” and demanded better protection for healthcare workers.
When our correspondent visited UITH on Monday, dozens of out-patients who arrived as early as 7:00 a.m. were left stranded for hours as resident doctors stayed away from duty.
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Hospital sources said the assaulted doctor sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment. The woman alleged to have carried out the attack has been arrested, and police investigations are ongoing.
During a peaceful protest across hospital departments, the doctors urged the public to stop attacking medical personnel, saying violence against health workers undermines service delivery.
Speaking to patients during the demonstration, ARD spokesperson Dr. E. Oladepo said this was the third such assault on doctors at UITH.
“This is the third time such an incident is happening in this hospital. We appeal to members of the public to exercise restraint. Doctors should not be subjected to this kind of inhumane treatment while trying to save lives,” Oladepo said.
He warned that persistent attacks and poor working conditions could worsen Nigeria’s medical brain drain.
A source familiar with the development said the industrial action could last up to five days as the doctors demand justice for their colleague. Services may resume Monday if their demands are met.
Meanwhile, another source indicated that consultant doctors may continue to handle emergency cases to ensure patients requiring urgent attention are not left unattended during the protest.
