The association, in a statement released on Thursday, said it received “with deep concern the report of yet another physical assault on healthcare workers,” noting that the incident occurred while a female doctor was professionally explaining hospital charges for a medical procedure to a patient’s relative.
“In the course of carrying out her duties, she was physically assaulted. A nurse who was also present was equally attacked,” NARD said.
The association described the attack as “inhumane and unacceptable,” stressing that “no doctor, nurse, or health worker should be subjected to abuse or assault while rendering essential services to the public.”
NARD confirmed that the alleged assailant had been apprehended and was currently in police custody, commending the swift response of security operatives.
“We expect that due process will be followed to ensure justice is served,” the association said, insisting on the full prosecution of the suspect.
Expressing solidarity with the victims, NARD said its leadership “sympathises with our assaulted colleague and nurse and stands in full solidarity with the Association of Resident Doctors, KWASUTH.”
The association also backed resolutions reached by the hospital’s resident doctors during an emergency meeting, including a one-week warning strike, a public demonstration and a press conference.
It further called for “appropriate justice and compensation for the assaulted doctor and nurse,” alongside the deployment of “adequate security personnel, preferably police officers, to sensitive areas within the hospital.”
Reaffirming its stance, NARD said, “The safety, dignity and welfare of doctors and all healthcare workers are non-negotiable. Hospitals must remain safe spaces for both patients and staff.”
The group also warned against any attempt to intimidate or victimise its members over the industrial action.
“Any attempt to harass members for taking lawful decisions in defence of their safety and welfare may attract wider industrial responses at regional and national levels,” it added.
The incident has added to growing concerns over attacks on healthcare workers across Nigeria. Medical professionals have increasingly reported cases of verbal abuse, threats and physical assaults, often arising from disputes over medical bills, delays in care or dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes.
Professional bodies such as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors and the Nigerian Medical Association have repeatedly called for improved hospital security, stronger legal protections and better public awareness of patients’ rights and responsibilities.
The World Health Organisation has also warned that violence against health workers can weaken health systems, reduce morale and compromise patient care.
In Nigeria, stakeholders say the trend is contributing to frustration among health workers and worsening the ongoing brain drain in the sector.
