Resident Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Attacks on Health Workers

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over what it described as the rising cases of attacks, harassment and intimidation targeting doctors and healthcare workers in public hospitals across the country.

The association said the latest concern was triggered by the alleged harassment involving officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at a hospital in Akwa Ibom State, which it said reflects a growing pattern of hostility and violence against medical personnel.

In a statement, NARD expressed concern over the safety of healthcare workers, warning that repeated incidents of intimidation and assaults were creating fear and instability within the health sector.

The association called for the immediate implementation of strict hospital protection policies, compensation for affected victims and the deployment of adequate security personnel to all health facilities nationwide.

NARD also urged the federal government to issue an executive order mandating the arrest and prosecution of anyone found assaulting healthcare workers or unlawfully invading medical facilities.

According to the association, attacks on medical personnel not only endanger lives but also disrupt healthcare delivery and discourage professionals already working under difficult conditions.

The doctors warned that unless “concrete, visible and decisive steps” are taken before the conclusion of its May 2026 Ordinary General Meeting, the association may no longer be able to guarantee industrial peace in the nation’s health sector.

The development raises fresh concerns over the possibility of another disruption in healthcare services if negotiations between the government and medical professionals fail to produce immediate action.