Ilorin --------------------- The Association of Resident Doctors, ARD, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, UITH, chapter, Tuesday commenced a three days warning strike over alleged assault of one of its members by the family of a patient.
President of ARD-UITH, Dr Lanre Olosunde, who spoke in Ilorin, said one of their members who was attacked, sustained physical and psychological injury, adding that such assault could have caused more serious injuries or even resulted in the death of the doctor.
Olosunde said that the assault was not the first time such occurrence would happen, adding that the ARD member was given a blow to the chest.
“The assailant also issued a threat to mobilize thugs from town to stage another attack on the staff of the Accident and Emergency unit,” he said.
Olosunde stated that the assault on healthcare workers was on the increase, just as there had been no appreciable beef up of security to protect them and forestall further breaches in the hospital.
“The crowd control at the Accident and Emergency Unit and at other service points is still grossly poor. It has the potential of causing similar security breaches in the future and also facilitates the hospital spread of infections.
“The unavailability of required Personal Protective Equipment for the protection of doctors at the A &E was identified as a factor that would continue to fuel delays in the delivery of emergency services and hence increase perceived neglect of patients and their relatives,” he said.
He further observed that the police officers and other security officials in UITH had resorted to deliberately putting the blame on the doctor that was assaulted rather than objectively investigating the matter and making necessary arrests.
The President explained that the warning strike is not to punish patients but hoping that necessary safety measures for members would be put in place by the hospital.
He said that the association had resolved that the management of the hospital must ensure the assailant who committed the crime is arrested and process of prosecution is commenced.
His further said, "The current PPE distribution system at UITH be reviewed to ensure they are readily available at every service point and especially emergency care service point.
“The UITH should release an official public statement with regards to this occurrence to give proper orientation to the general public on the formal ways available to channel complaints about hospital services and a warning to the public of grave repercussions if they assault any healthcare workers.”
Olosunde reminded the public that to render effective service of saving lives, the doctors lives must be safe and secure, while also advising aggrieved parties to channel their grievances through the proper channel.
“We will also sensitize our members on effective communication and conflict resolution. We will also have conferences to ensure members have skills in resolving issues,” he added.
Also responding, Mrs Olabisi Ajiboye, the Head of Corporate Affairs of the UITH explained that management of UITH is deliberating on the issue and will issue statement at the end of the deliberation.
