Medical services at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, Ondo State, and its Akure Annex have been brought to a standstill after resident doctors embarked on a 72-hour warning strike following the alleged assault of a colleague by a patient’s relative.
According to hospital sources, the incident occurred when a doctor on duty was allegedly attacked inside the facility by a female relative of a patient.
The situation reportedly escalated when a group of suspected thugs was later mobilised to the hospital, further threatening the safety of medical personnel.
Staff members were said to have quickly moved the assaulted doctor to a secure location to prevent further harm as tensions rose.
Following the incident, the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at FMC Owo declared a 72-hour total warning strike, effectively shutting down services at both the main hospital and its Akure Annex.
The doctors said the action was necessary due to repeated cases of violence against healthcare workers and what they described as inadequate security within hospital premises.
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They demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those involved, improved security presence especially in emergency units, a public apology from the alleged perpetrators, and compensation and protection for the assaulted doctor.
Some medical staff expressed concern over worsening insecurity in the hospital, noting that doctors are increasingly exposed to harassment, intimidation, and physical attacks while carrying out their duties.
They also highlighted severe manpower shortages, with only a few doctors handling overwhelming patient loads, including emergency services.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has also condemned the assault, describing it as unacceptable and dangerous to the healthcare system.
The association warned that continued attacks on healthcare workers could trigger wider industrial action if authorities fail to implement urgent safety measures across hospitals in the country.
As a result of the strike, medical services at FMC Owo and its Akure Annex have been completely disrupted, leaving patients stranded as emergency and outpatient units remain shut.
The doctors have insisted they will not resume duty until adequate security is guaranteed and those responsible are brought to justice.
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