NMA asks Akwa Ibom govt to strengthen security for doctors

The Nigerian Medical Association, Akwa Ibom State branch, has urged the state government to urgently enhance security and improve the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the association issued the call at the end of a two-day State Officers Committee leadership retreat held in Uyo, following renewed concerns about attacks on healthcare workers and disruptions to medical services at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH).

The retreat, held from 5 to 7 September in Uyo, brought together members of the NMA-AKS State Officers Committee to deliberate on issues affecting the medical profession and healthcare delivery in the state.

The association’s chairman, Tiemah Akpabio, said the increasing cases of assault and violence against healthcare workers were unacceptable and posed a direct threat to the delivery of healthcare.

“Doctors and other health workers deserve to work in a safe and secure environment devoid of intimidation and assault. We urge the government and all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to this menace urgently,” Ms Akpabio said.

The NMA chairman commended the state government for its proposed legislation to criminalise assault against healthcare professionals. Still, he urged the government to move beyond legislation by ensuring its prompt implementation and enforcement.

Repeated attacks

The demand comes days after resident doctors at UUTH suspended an indefinite strike triggered by the alleged assault of a house officer at the hospital.

The Association of Resident Doctors, UUTH, began the strike on 3 September after an elderly woman allegedly assaulted the doctor. The NMA had demanded that hospital management and security agencies identify and prosecute those responsible and strengthen security across health facilities in the state.

The strike was suspended two days later after the woman’s family apologised and hospital management intervened. Ms Akpabio told PREMIUM TIMES that the hospital management had also agreed to establish a committee to recommend measures to protect healthcare workers.

The latest incident was the second major security-related crisis to disrupt services at UUTH within four months.

PREMIUM TIMES in May reported that doctors in Akwa Ibom embarked on an indefinite strike after an operation by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the hospital triggered allegations of assault and intimidation of medical personnel.

The NMA later suspended the strike after the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, publicly apologised over the incident.

The May crisis also exposed the consequences of insecurity in health facilities. UUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Emem Bassey, had warned during the strike that critically ill patients, pregnant women and dialysis patients were bearing the consequences of the disruption.

The federal government subsequently ordered measures to protect health workers from harassment and assault after a committee set up following the UUTH incident found 18 cases of assault, intimidation or harassment across federal tertiary health institutions within the preceding 12 months.

Against that background, the NMA-AKS retreat placed members’ welfare among its major deliberations.

The association said its treasurer presented a “legacy budget” to guide the branch’s finances, while the State Officers Committee reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising members’ welfare.

Leadership training

A major component of the retreat was an executive leadership masterclass facilitated by the MORE Leadership Academy with the theme, “Leading with Purpose.”

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The facilitators included the Chancellor of the academy, Morgan Ekanem, as well as David Ogunshola and David Fadeyi.

Ms Akpabio described the training as engaging and impactful and said it would be extended to other interested members of the association during her administration.

Members of the State Executive Committee are expected to form the next cohort of participants.

The retreat ended on Sunday with a solemn assembly led by Unyime Dennis of Insight Bible Church, followed by prayer sessions for the success of the current NMA-AKS administration and the welfare of its members.

The association’s public relations officer, Utomobong Udo, signed the statement announcing the outcome of the retreat.