Student Nurse Assault In Ogun Hospital,Protest
Nurses employed by the Ogun State Hospital in Abeokuta, Nigeria, took to the streets in a massive show of solidarity against the alleged assault of a final year nursing student by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Nurudeen Adekunle.
Led by the state chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Adejoke Bello, the nurses, armed with placards bearing messages like “End bullying of nurses” and “Zero tolerance for nurses bullying,” chanted songs to convey their dissatisfaction and displeasure with the incident.
The nurses expressed their outrage at the lack of response from the hospital management and government despite repeated attempts to address the issue. They demanded that Dr. Adekunle be brought to justice according to the public service rules, emphasizing that no form of assault or harassment against nurses should be tolerated.
The Unit Chairman of NANNM, Lola Idowu Falujo, decried the doctor’s actions as falling below the provisions of the public service rules and called for the government to activate state public service rules to handle the matter and ensure justice is served.
The nurses’ peaceful demonstration underscored the urgent need to address the issue of workplace bullying and harassment in the healthcare sector, particularly against nurses who are often at the forefront of patient care and management.
Despite the heavy rain, the nurses remained resolute in their protest, determined to bring attention to the injustice they had witnessed and to advocate for a safer, more respectful workplace environment for all healthcare professionals.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by healthcare workers, who are not only tasked with providing high-quality care to patients but also must navigate a complex network of bureaucracy and power dynamics in their daily work.
As the nurses continue their fight for justice and against bullying and harassment, the healthcare sector must also address the underlying issues that contribute to these problems, such as a lack of support and resources, and a culture of fear and intimidation.
The demonstration by the nurses in Ogun State has shone a spotlight on the often-overlooked issue of workplace bullying and harassment, especially in the healthcare sector.
While the nurses’ efforts to seek justice may serve as a catalyst for change within their own institution, the larger implications of their protest extend far beyond the walls of the Ogun State Hospital.
The incident underscores the need for a systemic shift in attitudes and policies toward workplace bullying, with a focus on fostering a culture of respect, support, and accountability.
References and Citations:
- PUNCH – Ogun Nurses protest doctors assault on student nurse
- Daily post – Protest rocks Ogun hospital over Alleged assualt on Student nurse by consultant
- Channels – Ogun nurses protest doctors alleged assault of female student nurse.
