The Federal Government has directed the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the safety and protection of health workers across the country following a rise in cases of harassment, intimidation and assaults.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom.
Kachollom said the decision followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel.
According to her, the committee was established on May 19 after an incident involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.
She explained that the incident disrupted clinical services and sparked industrial action, prompting the Federal Government to investigate the matter and develop measures to prevent similar occurrences nationwide.
The committee, she said, reviewed reports from federal tertiary health institutions and consulted professional bodies, regulatory agencies, security organisations and human rights groups before submitting its findings.
Its report revealed that the Uyo incident was not an isolated case, with at least 18 incidents of assault, intimidation or harassment recorded in federal tertiary health institutions within the last 12 months.
The reported cases involved patients, relatives, members of the public and security personnel, resulting in physical injuries, psychological trauma, destruction of hospital property and disruption of healthcare services.
The committee also identified poor communication, long waiting times, inadequate staffing, weak infrastructure, emotional distress, abuse of authority and the absence of clear security protocols as key factors contributing to the incidents.
Following the submission of the report, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, approved the committee’s recommendations and directed their immediate implementation through a comprehensive action plan.
Pate stressed that healthcare workers deserved a safe working environment to carry out their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.
“Health workers dedicate their lives to caring for Nigerians and must be able to carry out their duties in an environment that is safe, secure and free from violence, intimidation or harassment,” the minister said.
He added that the Federal Government would continue working with relevant institutions to protect health workers, uphold the rule of law and ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
The minister warned that anyone found assaulting, threatening, intimidating or harassing a health worker would be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence exists under existing Nigerian laws.
He noted that although there is no specific legislation dealing solely with violence against health workers, offenders would still face prosecution under applicable criminal, civil or administrative laws.
As part of the new measures, all federal tertiary health institutions have been directed to strengthen internal security and establish Violence Prevention Teams to enhance safety within healthcare facilities.
The institutions are also expected to improve access control systems, surveillance, visitor identification procedures and security around emergency departments and other critical service areas.
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In addition, each hospital is to appoint liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement agencies and ensure security operations do not endanger patients or disrupt essential medical services.
Kachollom further directed that all cases of assault, threats or harassment in health facilities must be promptly reported, investigated and documented, while affected workers should receive institutional support and appropriate referrals where necessary.
Hospital managements have also been instructed to strengthen complaint-handling mechanisms, improve communication with patients and provide staff training on conflict prevention and de-escalation.
The permanent secretary said broader policy recommendations from the committee’s report would be presented to the next National Council on Health for consideration toward establishing a national framework covering federal, state and private health institutions.
She added that the ministry would closely monitor implementation of the recommendations, with periodic progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister to ensure compliance nationwide.
“The Federal Government affirms that no grievance, disagreement or official assignment constitutes lawful justification for violence against a health worker or interference with the delivery of healthcare,” Kachollom said.
She reiterated that existing laws would be enforced, offenders held accountable and all lawful measures taken to secure health facilities, protect health workers and guarantee uninterrupted patient care. (NAN)
