The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria has expressed concern over the rising incidence of violence against healthcare workers across the country, warning that the trend could worsen burnout and deepen workforce retention challenges within the sector.
The committee raised the alarm on Wednesday in Abuja through a statement issued by its Chairman, Prof. Saad Ahmed, who also serves as Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja. Ahmed said the warning followed increasing reports of assaults, harassment, and intimidation targeting medical personnel in hospitals nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, Ahmed described the development as deeply troubling, noting that it poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s already overstretched healthcare system. He stated that healthcare professionals continue to work tirelessly to save lives despite difficult working conditions, heavy workloads, and emotionally demanding environments.
According to him, healthcare workers deserve respect, protection, and understanding while carrying out their duties, rather than exposure to threats, attacks, and intimidation within healthcare facilities.
Ahmed warned that violence against health workers could adversely affect patient care, employee morale, and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery across the country. He added that such incidents could also have severe physical and psychological consequences for professionals already operating under immense pressure.
He further noted that hostile working environments could discourage healthcare professionals, accelerate burnout, and intensify existing workforce retention problems within Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The committee chairman called on governments, hospital managements, security agencies, labour unions, community leaders, and members of the public to collaborate in addressing the growing menace. He stressed the need for stronger hospital security measures, improved institutional policies, public sensitisation campaigns, and stricter enforcement of laws against offenders.
Ahmed also appealed to patients and their relatives to remain calm and cooperative during medical emergencies, acknowledging that such situations are often emotionally challenging. He said patience, understanding, and effective communication between healthcare workers and patients’ families are essential to achieving better healthcare outcomes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of federal tertiary hospitals to continue delivering quality healthcare services despite the mounting challenges confronting the system, adding that safer and more supportive working environments are critical to enabling healthcare professionals to perform effectively.
“Protecting healthcare professionals is not only necessary for their wellbeing but also essential for strengthening the country’s healthcare system,” he said.
Ahmed added that ensuring the safety of health workers would ultimately guarantee sustained access to timely and quality medical care for Nigerians.
