A wave of shock and outrage has swept through Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) following a violent attack by suspected hoodlums. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, triggered an emergency and indefinite strike by all labor unions at the hospital.
The rampage began in the accident and emergency unit, where the assailants assaulted doctors on duty, vandalized property, and shockingly, stole a corpse believed to be the father of one of the attackers.
This blatant disregard for the healthcare facility and patient well-being sparked instant outrage. The Association of Resident Doctors, led by President Dr. Famous Adeyemi, wasted no time in declaring an indefinite strike. Their demands are clear: justice for the assaulted staff, improved security measures, and immediate attention to their long-standing concerns regarding poor remuneration, work overload, and brain drain.
In a statement, Dr. Adeyemi emphasized the untenable situation faced by medical personnel. “We are already operating under immense pressure due to understaffing and low pay,” he stated. “This attack, at a time when we are showing understanding towards unaddressed demands, is unconscionable.”
The hospital management acknowledged the severity of the situation. Spokesperson Rolake Adewumi confirmed the immediate deployment of four additional armed policemen and the police commissioner’s active pursuit of the culprits.
Professor Kayode Olabanji, Chief Medical Director, condemned the violence and pledged firm action. “We will not tolerate any further acts of harassment against our staff,” he declared. Security measures have been bolstered with additional police presence and collaboration with local authorities.
However, the strike will continue until the labor unions’ demands are met. They urge the state government to prioritize the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, address salary disparities and improve working conditions to prevent further exodus of medical professionals.
This incident sheds light on the critical need for increased security and improved welfare for healthcare workers across Nigeria. The EKSUTh strike serves as a stark reminder that violence against medical professionals is unacceptable and demands immediate action.
