FG orders crackdown on assaults against health workers after 18 attacks

The Nigerian federal government has announced a comprehensive crackdown on assaults, intimidation, and harassment targeting health workers following the revelation that at least 18 such incidents occurred in federal tertiary health institutions over the past year. The directive comes after the submission of a report by the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, formed in response to a high-profile clash between Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives and staff at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) in Akwa Ibom State in May 2026. That incident disrupted clinical services and sparked industrial action, prompting the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to conduct a thorough investigation into the growing number of threats against healthcare professionals nationwide. The report, submitted by the committee, highlighted that the Uyo incident was not an isolated occurrence. It revealed that the 18 cases involved a range of individuals, including patients, their relatives, members of the public, and even security personnel, resulting in physical injuries, psychological trauma, damage to hospital property, and widespread service disruptions. According to the findings, several factors contributed to these incidents, including poor communication between hospital staff and patients, long waiting times, insufficient staffing levels, substandard infrastructure, emotional distress among both workers and patients, misuse of authority, and the lack of clearly defined security protocols. In response, the government has mandated that all instances of assault, threat, intimidation, or harassment against health workers be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted under existing criminal, civil, or administrative laws wherever evidence supports such action. The absence of a dedicated law specifically addressing violence against health workers will not hinder the pursuit of justice, as officials emphasized that current legal frameworks can be used effectively to hold perpetrators accountable. Federal tertiary health institutions have been instructed to bolster their internal security measures. This includes establishing Violence Prevention Teams, enhancing surveillance systems, improving visitor identification processes, and strengthening access control, especially in critical areas such as emergency units. Each facility is also required to appoint liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement agencies, ensuring that security operations do not jeopardize patient safety or interfere with essential medical services. The government has stressed the importance of prompt reporting, investigation, and documentation of all incidents occurring within health facilities. Affected workers are to be provided with institutional support, and serious cases must be referred to the appropriate authorities. Hospital management has been tasked with refining complaint-resolution mechanisms, enhancing communication with patients, and training staff in conflict prevention and de-escalation strategies to reduce tensions and prevent future conflicts. Broader recommendations from the committee will be forwarded to the next National Council on Health for consideration as a potential national framework applicable to federal, state, and private healthcare institutions. These proposals aim to create a standardized approach to protecting health workers across the entire healthcare sector. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare workers. He stated that they play a vital role in caring for the nation and must be allowed to perform their duties in an environment free from violence, intimidation, or harassment. Pate confirmed that the government will continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to safeguard the health workforce, uphold the rule of law, and guarantee uninterrupted healthcare delivery.