OGHARA: Medical services at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital have been severely disrupted as resident doctors commenced an indefinite strike following the alleged assault of a colleague within the hospital premises.
The industrial action, declared by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), reflects growing concerns over what the group described as worsening insecurity and unsafe working conditions at the facility.
In a statement issued after an emergency congress, the ARD condemned what it termed an unprovoked attack on one of its members and former president, Adja Harrison.
According to the association, the incident occurred during a tense situation involving members of the host community who had reportedly blocked access roads leading to the hospital, restricting movement in and out of the facility.
Dr. Harrison was said to have complied with the restrictions earlier in the day by parking within the hospital and escorting his children through a pedestrian route to school.
However, upon his return, he reportedly stood at a distance observing the situation before making a calm appeal for a motorcyclist—who was not heading into the hospital—to be allowed passage.
The request allegedly provoked hostility, with some individuals attacking him physically.He was reportedly slapped and assaulted by a group before bystanders intervened and moved him to safety.
Medical evaluation later revealed injuries to his right ear, including bleeding and trauma consistent with blunt-force impact to the eardrum.
The ARD described the incident as part of a broader pattern of insecurity affecting healthcare workers in the area.
The association noted that repeated threats and intimidation have forced many doctors to reside outside Oghara, commuting daily from nearby towns such as Sapele, Warri, and Benin City due to safety concerns.
Following deliberations, the association announced a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike involving all cadres of doctors.
The doctors outlined key demands, including:
- A formal written apology from the host community
- Immediate improvement in security within and around the hospital
- Assurances against future harassment or attacks
- Full medical care and compensation for the assaulted doctor
- Identification and prosecution of those responsible
The ARD emphasized that the strike would remain in force until all demands are fully addressed.
The strike is expected to significantly impact healthcare delivery at DELSUTH, a major referral center serving Delta State and surrounding regions.
Patients seeking medical attention may face delays or be forced to seek care in alternative facilities as negotiations between the doctors, hospital management, and relevant authorities unfold.
The development adds to ongoing concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in Nigeria, where incidents of violence, harassment, and poor working conditions have increasingly contributed to industrial actions across the sector.
