Workers’ Day: Healthcare workers decry assault by security operatives in A’Ibom
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A Coalition of Health Professionals in Akwa Ibom State have expressed displeasure over harassment of their members on duty in the state by police officers and other security operatives in the state.
A statement titled ” Stop the Pandemic,” issued in Uyo on Friday and made available to newsmen, said health workers who were at the forefront of fighting the coronavirus pandemic even at the detriment of their families have been subjected to more hardship in the hand of security operatives.
The coalition of health workers comprises of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria.
The statement which was signed by the Chairman of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Nsikak Njoyoko and other chairmen of the health workers’ unions condemned the actions of security agencies and called for a stop to avoid unpleasant consequences.
“The conglomerate will want to observe that during this pandemic and lockdown, there has been cases of harassment and assault of healthcare workers on essential duties by men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“A Medical Doctor suffered fractures as a result of assault by a police officer. Other healthcare workers have been variously harassed, assaulted and denied passage to their places of essential duties including the NMA chairman.
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“The recent one is the assault on a nurse by men of the Nigeria Police Force at the UUTH for no justifiable reason. She was beaten to pulp; dragged from the first floor to the ground floor; her uniform (symbol of office and service) was torn and her pride as a woman violated.
“This action had left her traumatized physically, emotionally, mentally and professionally and her dignity as a health worker despised.
“Hence, we demand an apology from the NPF to her and the healthcare professionals for this harassment and assault and to compensate her adequately for this unwarranted attack despite the fact that she provided care to the best of her professional ability to a patient who was brought in unconscious.
“We make bold to say that if there’s a failure to meet this demand and a failure to stop henceforth this incessant harassments and assaults, we will not hesitate to withdraw all healthcare services in the state,” the statement said.
Dr. Njoyoko appreciated all healthcare workers in Akwa Ibom State for their courage and commitment in fighting the coronavirus pandemic even at the risks of their lives.
The health union leaders urged all health workers to continue their selfless services in combating COVID-19 pandemic, while remaining safe preventing themselves from hazards at workplace.
