NMA and Health Workers in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Sound Alarm Over Security Operatives’ Attacks and Assaults

The NMA and Health workers in Ekiti State University Hospital has raised alarm over the continuous harassment of Its Staff and members by security operatives.

Feb 21, 2024 - 17:50 Updated: Feb 21, 2024 - 19:13

NMA and Health Workers in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Sound Alarm Over Security Operatives’ Attacks and Assaults

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ekiti State has expressed deep concern over the repeated assaults on doctors and other health workers at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH).

In a joint statement signed by the NMA Chairman, Dr. Babatunde Rosiji, and Secretary, Dr. Moses Dada, the association condemned the ongoing attacks, which have persisted despite assurances from the hospital management.

The situation has become increasingly alarming, with at least three troubling incidents occurring within a month at EKSUTH. Let’s delve into the details:

Commercial Drivers’ Assault (15th January 2024):
- Commercial drivers not only assaulted health workers but also vandalized government properties. Shockingly, they forcibly took away the corpse of one of their relatives.
- The aftermath of this incident is still being addressed.
DSS Operatives’ Involvement (11th February 2024):
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1. A separate incident unfolded, involving DSS operatives. Initially, it began as a confrontation, but it escalated to the use of force and live bullets being fired within the hospital premises.
2. The NMA engaged with the EKSUTH management, the State Command of the DSS, and the Ekiti State Government to seek resolution and justice.

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Recent Incident (Post-Second DSS Episode):
- Approximately 72 hours after the second incident, another doctor faced physical abuse in the accidents and emergency unit of EKSUTH.
- A DSS operative threatened to bring in reinforcements to unleash mayhem on the hospital community.
- The NMA emphasizes that security operatives, who should protect citizens and maintain the hospital as a safe sanctuary, are now involved in these regrettable acts.

The NMA urgently calls upon the Ekiti State Government, the Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS, and other security agencies to take decisive action. Safeguarding health workers and ensuring their security should a priority for security operatives in the state.