A segment of health workers in Ogun State are on the streets, but this time round, it is not about improved conditions of service.
Health workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State, commenced a 72-hour warning strike yesterday over alleged stabbing of a medical laboratory scientist, Lawal Toheeb Olasunkanmi.
A patient’s relative did it at the hospital on Sunday night.
The workers announced the action in a protest letter dated October 12 and addressed to the hospital’s Medical Director by the Joint Action Committee of five unions.
They want:
- the management to formally report the incident to the appropriate law enforcement authorities
- to ensure that the alleged assailant was investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
- that any attempt to conceal, trivialise or resolve the matter in a manner that would undermine accountability.
- prompt and comprehensive medical attention for the injured staff member, as well as
- psychological support and other institutional assistance necessary for his recovery.
The unions are the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research and Allied Institutions, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
In the letter, the unions expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence against a healthcare worker performing his professional duties.
They said the attack constituted a serious assault on the dignity, safety, and welfare of healthcare professionals who dedicate their time and expertise to providing essential medical services.
The workers expressed concern that a facility established to preserve lives and promote healing had become a place where healthcare professionals could be physically attacked while carrying out their duties.
They stressed that disagreements, frustration or dissatisfaction with hospital services could not justify threats or violence against members of staff.
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The unions added that the incident was not merely an attack on the affected laboratory scientist but also an assault on the entire workforce of the hospital.
The 72-hour warning strike commenced at 11 am on Monday, October 12, with workers expected to resume duty at 8 am on Thursday, October 15
According to them, the management should urgently review and strengthen security arrangements across the hospital, particularly in clinical and laboratory areas, emergency units, and other vulnerable locations.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
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