Key points
- Federal Government orders immediate implementation of measures to protect health workers from harassment and violence.
- Health ministry records 18 cases of assaults and intimidation across federal tertiary hospitals within one year.
- Hospitals directed to strengthen security, establish violence prevention teams and improve incident reporting.
Main story
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the protection of health workers nationwide following rising cases of harassment, intimidation and assaults within health facilities.
The directive was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday night by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms Daju Kachollom.
Kachollom said the action followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, which was constituted after an incident involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and workers of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State.
She said the incident disrupted clinical services and triggered industrial action, prompting the Federal Government to investigate the matter and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences nationwide.
According to the report, 18 cases of assault, intimidation or harassment were recorded across federal tertiary health institutions within the past 12 months.
The incidents, she said, involved patients, relatives, members of the public and security personnel, resulting in bodily injuries, psychological trauma, damage to hospital property and disruption of healthcare services.
The committee also identified poor communication, prolonged waiting times, inadequate staffing, weak infrastructure, emotional distress, abuse of authority and the absence of clear security protocols as key factors contributing to the incidents.
Following the report, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, approved the committee’s recommendations and directed their immediate implementation.
Pate said health workers must be able to perform their duties in a safe and secure environment free from violence, intimidation and harassment.
He warned that anyone who assaults, threatens or harasses a health worker would be investigated and prosecuted under existing criminal, civil or administrative laws where sufficient evidence exists.
The minister said the absence of a specific law on violence against health workers would not prevent authorities from enforcing existing legal provisions, including applicable sanctions and compensation.
As part of the measures, federal tertiary health institutions have been directed to strengthen internal security arrangements and establish Violence Prevention Teams to improve safety within health facilities.
The institutions are also expected to improve access control, surveillance systems, visitor identification procedures and security around emergency departments and other critical service areas.
Kachollom said hospitals must designate liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement agencies while ensuring that security operations do not disrupt patient care.
She added that all incidents involving assault, threats or harassment must be promptly reported, investigated and documented, while affected health workers should receive institutional support and appropriate referrals.
Hospital managements were further directed to strengthen complaint resolution mechanisms, improve communication with patients and train staff in conflict prevention and de-escalation.
Kachollom said broader policy recommendations would be presented to the National Council on Health to develop a national framework covering federal, state and private health institutions.
She added that the ministry would monitor implementation through periodic progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister.
The issues
Violence against health workers has become a growing concern in Nigeria, with incidents disrupting healthcare services, affecting staff morale and threatening patient safety. The Federal Government is seeking to strengthen workplace safety while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
What’s being said
Pate said health workers deserve a safe working environment and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting healthcare personnel and enforcing existing laws against offenders.
Kachollom said no grievance or official assignment justifies violence against health workers or interference with healthcare delivery.
What’s next
Federal tertiary health institutions are expected to implement the new safety measures immediately, while broader policy proposals will be considered by the National Council on Health for nationwide adoption.
Bottom line
The Federal Government is moving to strengthen the protection of health workers through tighter security measures, stricter enforcement of existing laws and institutional reforms aimed at reducing workplace violence in healthcare facilities.
