By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has declared a warning strike over the assault of two doctors at the hospital’s Emergency Department.

The association made this known on Saturday in a communique signed by its President and General Secretary, Dr Uthman Adedeji, and Dr Mary Awodiji, respectively.

The communique, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, stated that the strike, which commenced on Friday night, would end by 8.00 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to the communique, the decision followed an Emergency General Meeting held at the ARD Lounge, UCH, Ibadan.

It said the Emergency Department was thrown into chaos after one Mr Sarafa Oyenigba, a relative of a deceased patient, allegedly assaulted Dr Oladapo Olatunbosun and Dr Mololuwa Adebayo.

It added that a Deputy Director of Nursing, security personnel, and the Service Manager were also assaulted.

According to the association, Oyenigba had earlier verbally assaulted the members of staff before stripping the doctors of their clothing and threatening further harm after his arrest.

The association faulted a security officer on duty for failing to seek reinforcement despite warnings that Oyenigba posed a threat.

It described the conduct as grossly incompetent and preventable.

The association, however, noted and appreciated UCH Management’s prompt facilitation of the arrest of the suspect and others involved.

It demanded that Oyenigba be remanded in police custody and be charged without delay to face the full weight of the law.

ARD UCH expressed dissatisfaction over recurring assaults on the institution’s doctors, citing a similar case where Dr Moshood Adeyemo was assaulted six weeks ago.

It, however, said the assault on Adeyemo was resolved without invoking the NARD Protocol on assaults.

According to the association, the protocol mandates immediate 72-hour industrial action after any confirmed assault on members.

The association said it exercised restraint by delaying action to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

It advised the affected doctors to access the Staff Medical Services for medical and psychological support.

It also called for visible signage at hospital hotspots to declare zero tolerance for violence against staff.

The association urged the management to publish press statements and newspaper notices affirming its stance.

It demanded regular training for security personnel and an official query for the officer on duty during the incident.

The association stressed that the strike was not against the management but to signal public rejection of assaults on healthcare workers.

It said it would reconvene after the strike to review management’s actions. (NAN)