The Federal Government has directed all Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to immediately strengthen measures aimed at protecting healthcare workers from violence, intimidation and harassment.
The directive followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, which was established after a confrontation involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and staff of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State earlier this year.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, the government described violence against health workers as unacceptable and vowed to ensure offenders are prosecuted under existing laws.
According to the report, 18 incidents involving assault, intimidation or harassment of health workers were recorded across federal tertiary health institutions within the past 12 months.
The incidents involved patients, relatives, members of the public and security personnel and reportedly resulted in bodily injuries, psychological trauma, damage to hospital property and disruption of healthcare services.
The committee identified poor communication, prolonged waiting times, inadequate staffing, weak infrastructure, emotional distress and the absence of clear security protocols as major contributing factors.
To address the situation, hospitals have been directed to establish Violence Prevention Teams, improve surveillance systems, strengthen access control procedures and enhance security around emergency units and other sensitive areas.
“No grievance, disagreement or official assignment constitutes lawful justification for violence against a health worker or interference with the delivery of healthcare,” the statement said.
The government also directed institutions to appoint liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement agencies while ensuring security operations within hospitals do not disrupt patient care.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has assured public servants that outstanding wage awards will be paid before the middle of August.
The assurance was given during a meeting between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
Government officials said promotion arrears and other outstanding labour-related concerns were also being processed as part of efforts to meet obligations owed to workers.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with organised labour and timely payment of approved entitlements.
