Resident doctors at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH) in Oghara have commenced an indefinite strike following the reported assault of one of their colleagues, escalating concerns over safety within the hospital environment.
The industrial action, announced after an emergency congress of the hospital’s Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), affects all cadres of medical personnel, from house officers to senior registrars.
The association described the strike as total and comprehensive.
Assault Incident Sparks Outrage
According to a statement released by the ARD, the incident involved Dr. Adja Harrison, a former president of the association, who was allegedly attacked during a disruption near the hospital premises.
The disruption was said to have been caused by members of the host community who had blocked access roads leading to the facility.
Harrison had earlier complied with the restrictions by parking within the hospital and escorting his children out through an alternative pedestrian route.
On returning, he reportedly stood at a distance monitoring the situation and made what the association described as a calm appeal for a motorcyclist—unconnected to the hospital—to be allowed through.
That request allegedly provoked hostility, leading to Harrison being slapped and then attacked by a group. He was later rescued by passersby and moved to safety.
Medical reports cited by the ARD indicated that the doctor sustained injuries to his right ear, including bleeding and trauma consistent with a blunt-force impact.
Rising Security Concerns
The association linked the incident to what it called a growing pattern of insecurity affecting healthcare workers in the area.
It noted repeated cases of intimidation and threats, which have forced many doctors to reside in nearby cities such as Warri, Sapele, and Benin City instead of within the host community.
The ARD warned that the situation has created an unsafe working environment that could further strain healthcare delivery in the region.
Demands by Doctors
The striking doctors have outlined several conditions for suspending the industrial action, including:
- A formal written apology from the host community
- Improved and guaranteed security within the hospital premises
- Assurances against future harassment or attacks
- Full medical treatment and compensation for the injured doctor
- Identification and prosecution of those responsible
Government Urged to Act
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the Delta State Government to improve healthcare infrastructure, the association cautioned that such gains could be undermined if safety concerns are not urgently addressed.
The ARD called on the state government, Ministry of Health, security agencies, and community leaders to intervene swiftly to restore order and ensure the protection of medical personnel.
Despite expressing regret over the disruption to healthcare services, the doctors maintained that the strike would continue until their demands are fully met.
