Healthcare workers across Nigeria are facing growing threats in the line of duty, with new figures revealing that no fewer than 30 resident doctors were assaulted within the last year, raising fresh concerns about safety in hospitals and the future of healthcare delivery in the country.

Data released by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) showed that at least 21 separate incidents of violence against healthcare workers were reported nationwide during the period under review. The attacks directly affected about 30 resident doctors working in various health institutions across the country.

The statistics paint a troubling picture of insecurity within healthcare facilities, indicating that, on average, a healthcare worker is assaulted every two weeks in Nigeria.

According to NARD, the majority of these incidents have not resulted in meaningful legal consequences. Of the reported cases, fewer than five were prosecuted in court, while only one assailant has been successfully convicted.

The association expressed concern that the lack of accountability may be encouraging further attacks on medical personnel.

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NARD described the increasing violence as a serious threat to both healthcare professionals and the nation’s healthcare system.

The association noted that hospitals, traditionally regarded as safe spaces for healing and lifesaving interventions, are increasingly becoming environments where doctors and other health workers face intimidation, harassment, physical violence, emotional trauma, and, in some cases, kidnapping.

According to the association, such incidents have consequences that extend beyond the direct victims. Violence against healthcare workers can affect the quality of patient care, lower staff morale, and weaken public confidence in health institutions.

The National President of NARD, Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, condemned the attacks and described the trend as dangerous for the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

He warned that continued insecurity within hospitals could worsen the ongoing shortage of healthcare professionals, as many doctors may choose to leave the country in search of safer and more supportive working environments.

Suleiman stated that the association would no longer remain silent while healthcare workers are subjected to threats and violence while performing their duties.

He also revealed that NARD is taking seriously recent threats made against one of its members, stressing that any harm suffered by the doctor would be linked to the identified individuals responsible for the threats and anyone connected to them.

The growing insecurity comes at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare sector is already grappling with significant workforce challenges.

Medical professionals have repeatedly raised concerns over poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and increasing migration of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers to countries offering better opportunities.

Stakeholders believe that improving the safety of healthcare personnel is essential to retaining skilled workers and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.

Incidents of violence often stem from disputes involving patients’ relatives, frustrations over treatment outcomes, or misunderstandings within healthcare facilities. Medical associations have consistently called for stronger security measures, stricter enforcement of laws protecting health workers, and faster prosecution of offenders.

Healthcare experts warn that failure to address the issue could further strain an already overstretched healthcare system, making it more difficult for hospitals to provide quality medical services to the public.

As concerns continue to mount, medical professionals are urging government authorities, law enforcement agencies, hospital administrators, and community leaders to work together to ensure that hospitals remain safe environments for both patients and those dedicated to saving lives.