Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it may embark on industrial action if authorities fail to address increasing attacks on healthcare workers across the country.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the association said assaults on doctors and other health personnel had been reported in at least 17 tertiary health institutions over the past year.
NARD said the attacks have created an unsafe working environment and called for stronger security measures at health facilities nationwide.
The association warned that continued inaction could undermine industrial peace in the health sector.
It said incidents have evolved from verbal abuse to physical assaults, destruction of property, intimidation with weapons and unauthorised invasions of hospital premises.
According to NARD, more than 90% of those affected were resident doctors, many of whom suffered injuries, emotional trauma and financial losses.
The association also criticised what it described as a lack of accountability for perpetrators.
Hospitals where incidents were reported include the University College Hospital in Ibadan, the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and the National Hospital Abuja.
NARD urged relevant authorities to prosecute offenders and improve security arrangements in healthcare facilities across the country.
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Korede Abdullah 