Doctors Demand Criminalisation of Assault: NMA, NARD Strike
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- The proposal carries penalties of up to life imprisonment for severe cases.
- This escalates the fight against a growing epidemic of workplace violence in Nigerian hospitals.
- Data shows over 70% of Nigerian doctors have experienced verbal or physical assault in the past year.
NMA and NARD jointly called on the National Assembly to pass a bill making assault on doctors a criminal offence. The proposal carries penalties of up to life imprisonment for severe cases. This escalates the fight against a growing epidemic of workplace violence in Nigerian hospitals.
Data shows over 70% of Nigerian doctors have experienced verbal or physical assault in the past year. Attacks range from patient relatives to organized mobs, crippling emergency services. The proposed law aims to deter perpetrators and ensure swift justice.
The push aligns with global trends where healthcare violence is criminalized in over 30 countries. Nigeria's healthcare system already faces severe staffing shortages; unchecked violence accelerates brain drain. Without protection, doctors will continue fleeing to safer jurisdictions.
Power Move: If passed, this legislation will reshape healthcare safety protocols nationwide. Expect hospitals to implement stricter security measures and lawyers to specialize in medico-legal cases. The real test: enforcement and judicial speed in prosecuting offenders.
This article was edited with AI assistance for readability. Read original here.
