Nurses and midwives in Nigerian Health Institutions have warned the Federal government they will embark on an indefinite strike action if the recent increase in assault on their persons continue.
The health workers, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), alleged that its members were being assaulted and brutalised by patients, patients’ relations and some overzealous security personnel while doing their legitimate duties of caring for their patients.
NANNM, in a statement by its National Chairman, Mr Wale Olatunde and National Secretary, Mr Gambo Danfulani, on Wednesday in Abuja, warned that its members would embark on an indefinite strike in any health institution where there was potential or actual threat of assault or brutality on its members.
The association urged the Federal Ministry of Health, Ministry of Labour and Productivity, stakeholders and the general public to caution culprits against unwarranted attacks on its members.
NANNM observed that the cruelty is happening in the face of challenges confronting the nation’s health institutions which range from gross inadequacies of needed medical equipment and consumables to a shortage of adequate manpower.
The association noted that based on available records, over 40 nurses had been assaulted and brutalised in some health institutions across the country in the past one year.
The association worried that the attacks on nurses and other health workers while on duty in various hospitals had resulted in members sustaining varying degrees of physical injuries.
The association condemned these barbaric acts which it stated that had reached unbearable and intolerable levels.
They requested that the Minister of Health direct as a matter of urgency, all the Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Health Institutions to ensure adequate provision for security of lives and properties.
While sympathising with affected members and wishing them speedy and complete recovery, it lauded the actions taken by the unit branch and Ondo State council of the association.
The association said it had in the past collaborated with other health associations to inform the Minister of Health and the Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of FHI on the porous nature of these institutions.