The Lagos State Government has warned that anyone who attacks healthcare workers in hospitals will face prosecution and possible imprisonment.
The warning was issued by the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Oluwatoyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, during a stakeholders’ meeting marking one year since the transition of the former Lagos State General Hospital, Epe, into a Federal Medical Centre.
The meeting, themed “Making FMC Epe Work for All: A Shared Responsibility for Building Trust, Improving Service and Enhancing Patient Care,” was organised by the hospital’s management under the leadership of the Medical Director, Dr. Adeleke Kaka.
Responding to concerns over the rising incidence of attacks on healthcare workers, Anjous-Ademuyiwa said protecting medical personnel remains a top priority for the Lagos State Government.
“Safety is paramount in our hospitals and every government facility. Health workers must be protected at all costs. The idea that anyone can come into a hospital and assault medical personnel is unacceptable.
“The moment you lay your hands on somebody and cause harm, you should be ready to face the law. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you are hurting people or endangering lives, you are going to jail. There can be no compromise on that,” she said.
She added that the government remains committed to protecting healthcare workers, other public servants, and patients from violence within public health facilities.
