FMC Abeokuta resident doctors down tools over insecurity, assault
The Association of Resident Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta has initiated a five-day warning strike in response to the assault of a physician and ongoing security concerns at the facility. The strike commenced at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday following an Emergency General Meeting held at the ARD Lounge.
The association cited the attack on a doctor that occurred on Wednesday as a catalyst for the strike, emphasizing that it is part of a broader pattern of violence and insecurity facing healthcare workers at the center. In a statement released after the meeting, signed by President Dr. Olanipekun Quadri and General Secretary Dr. Olorunfemi Solomon, the association noted that many of their previous concerns addressed to management remain unresolved.
The specific issues highlighted include compensation for house officers who lost personal belongings during a theft on June 4, 2026, inadequate lighting in areas designated for night duties, and weak security in the Emergency Treatment Room (ETR). The association described the ETR as “excessively porous,” allowing unrestricted access for patients’ relatives and unauthorized individuals, which increases the risk of confrontations and assaults on staff.
In addition, the association expressed disappointment over a recent report attributed to SERVICOM, alleging that it misrepresented doctors and negatively affected public perception, despite an ongoing investigation by management.
To remedy the situation, the association is demanding immediate compensation for the affected house officers, the deployment of armed security personnel to high-risk areas, improved security measures and access control at the ETR, and the installation of adequate lighting. Other requests include an official public rebuttal of misinformation spread online, clear display of admission and emergency protocols, relocation of payment points outside the ETR, installation of CCTV cameras, elimination of the waiting area inside the ETR, and swift legal action against the individual responsible for the assault on the doctor.
The communique stated, “The continued recurrence of these concerns, despite such assurances, has left the association with serious reservations regarding the adequacy and effectiveness of the interventions undertaken to date.”
The association reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue with Hospital Management and relevant stakeholders to ensure a safe and conducive environment for healthcare delivery at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta. It called on management to take immediate, concrete actions to enhance the safety and welfare of healthcare workers while ensuring the continuity of quality patient care.
The warning strike does not eliminate the 21-day ultimatum previously issued to management; all demands outlined in that ultimatum remain valid and underway. The association remains open to discussions but insists that prompt, verifiable measures must be implemented to safeguard healthcare providers and ensure uninterrupted medical services.
