By FOLASADE AKPAN

The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria has expressed concern over rising cases of violence against healthcare workers across the country.

Chairman of the committee, Prof. Saad Ahmed, raised the concern in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja following reports of assaults, harassment and intimidation of medical personnel nationwide.

Ahmed, who is also Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, described the development as disturbing and capable of further weakening Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.

He said healthcare workers continued to sacrifice daily to save lives in spite of difficult conditions, heavy workloads and emotionally demanding situations across hospitals nationwide.

“Healthcare workers dedicate their lives daily to saving lives and providing care to patients under challenging and stressful conditions, often with overwhelming workloads,” he said.

According to him, medical personnel deserve respect, protection and understanding while performing their duties rather than being exposed to threats, attacks and intimidation in hospitals.

Ahmed warned that violence against health workers could negatively affect patient care, staff morale and overall efficiency of healthcare delivery across the country’s health system.

He said that such attacks also posed serious physical and psychological consequences for already overburdened healthcare professionals working under significant pressure in hospitals nationwide.

The chairman said hostile working conditions could discourage professionals, worsen burnout and further deepen workforce retention challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector currently.

“Violence against healthcare workers not only affects the physical and psychological wellbeing of medical personnel, but also negatively impacts patient care, staff morale and healthcare delivery,” he said.

Ahmed called on governments, hospital managements, security agencies, labour unions, community leaders and the public to collectively address the growing menace in healthcare facilities nationwide.

He emphasised the need for stronger institutional policies, improved hospital security systems, public sensitisation and strict enforcement of laws against perpetrators of violence in hospitals.

The chairman also appealed to patients and relatives to remain calm and cooperative during emergencies, noting that medical situations could often be emotionally difficult for families involved.

According to him, patience, understanding and effective communication between healthcare workers and patients’ families are essential for better healthcare outcomes during emergencies across hospitals.

Ahmed reaffirmed the commitment of federal tertiary hospitals to continue providing quality healthcare services in spite of prevailing challenges confronting Nigeria’s healthcare system nationwide.

He added that safer and more supportive working environments remained essential for healthcare professionals to effectively discharge their duties across hospitals throughout the country.

“Protecting healthcare professionals is not only necessary for the wellbeing of medical personnel, but also essential for strengthening the country’s healthcare system,” he said.

Ahmed added that ensuring the safety of healthcare workers would ultimately guarantee Nigerians continued access to timely and quality medical care across the country. (NAN)

•Prof. Saad Ahmed, Chairman of the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria