Nigeria – Nurses Protest Assault On Final-Year Student By Orthopedic Surgeon In Nigeria

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Nurses at Ogun State Hospital, Ijaye, Abeokuta, staged a protest on Thursday, joined by colleagues from across the state, against the alleged assault of a final-year nursing student by Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Nurudeen Adekunle.

The doctor reportedly slapped the student in the hospital’s theatre on September 24.

Led by Adejoke Bello, the Ogun State Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the nurses defied the rain to express their grievances, carrying placards that read “End Bullying of Nurses” and “Justice for Nurses, a Must.”

They demanded swift action against Dr. Adekunle for his alleged misconduct.

“This incident should never have occurred,” Bello said. “We’ve written to the relevant authorities but have received no response. We demand that justice be served.”

Lola Idowu Falujo, the Unit Chairman of NANNM, also condemned the doctor’s actions, saying, “Bullying and assault of nurses must stop.”

In response, Dr. Olayinka Elemide, Permanent Secretary of the Hospital Management Board, assured the protesters that the government was addressing the situation.

Our correspondent made efforts to reach Adekunle but his phone number provided was unreachable.

Meanwhile, a nurse who does not want her name mentioned was interviewed by our reporter at MayDay Hospital, Nyanya Abuja in respect of the matter. She disclosed that she is yet to experience such encounter at her place of work but admitted that students nurses in different places are complaining of harassment by doctors.

She said healthcare is supposed to be a collaborative work between nurses and doctors and that no one should be maltreated in the process.

She added that medical line is noble filed that should not accorded it’s deserved professional respect.