Resident doctors in Ondo protest assault on colleague, demand stronger security

Doctors Protest Assaults at Owo Hospital

Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, Ondo State, staged a protest on Monday following the alleged assault of a colleague by relatives of a patient. The demonstration was organized by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FMC Owo branch.

Protesters highlighted a troubling trend of violence against medical staff, claiming incidents of assault have become increasingly frequent without adequate repercussions.

Gathered within the hospital grounds, the demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as “Say no to violence against healthcare workers” and “The hands that heal should not bleed.” They sang solidarity songs in a show of unity against the ongoing issue.

Dr. Oluwadamilola Adeola, chairman of FMC Owo ARD, stated that the peaceful protest aimed to raise awareness within the hospital community regarding the persistent assaults against health workers.

“This year alone, we have encountered three or four reported cases, with many more going unreported. We need to convey that assaulting health workers must stop,” Adeola said.

He emphasized the need for timely action, calling for the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for these attacks. “Our members are dissatisfied with the slow pace of justice,” he added. “We are also demanding increased security at our gates for the safety of all staff and a public apology from the assailants to deter future incidents.”

Adeola noted that the ongoing industrial action at the Akure annex of the hospital would cease if their demands were met. He expressed concerns about the lack of armed security personnel at the facility, describing the current security measures as insufficient.

“We are facing ongoing threats. Earlier this year, a health worker was assaulted and hospitalized, but no action has been taken against the assailant, who even threatened further violence,” he said. “We cannot afford to wait until a tragedy occurs.”

Adeola warned that failure to address their concerns could jeopardize industrial harmony within the hospital.

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