FG declares zero tolerance for violence against health workers

The federal government has declared zero tolerance for violence against health workers, directing the immediate implementation of measures to strengthen the safety and security of medical personnel across the country.

The directive followed the submission of the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Harassment of Health Workers by Security Personnel, which found that attacks on healthcare workers had become a recurring problem in federal tertiary health institutions.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, the government said the committee was constituted on May 19, 2026, following an incident at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Akwa Ibom State, involving operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and members of the hospital workforce, which disrupted clinical services and triggered industrial action.

According to the committee’s findings, the Uyo episode was not an isolated case. It noted that 18 incidents of assault, intimidation or harassment were recorded across federal tertiary health institutions within the preceding 12 months, involving patients, their relatives, members of the public and security personnel.

The committee said the reported incidents resulted in bodily injuries, psychological trauma, damage to hospital property, disruption of healthcare services and industrial action.

It identified poor communication, prolonged waiting times, inadequate staffing, deficient infrastructure, emotional distress, abuse of authority and the absence of clear security protocols as major factors contributing to the incidents.

Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, upon receiving the report, accepted the committee’s recommendations and directed their immediate implementation.

He said: “Health workers dedicate their lives to caring for Nigerians and must be able to carry out their duties in an environment that is safe, secure and free from violence, intimidation or harassment.

“The Federal Government will continue to work with all relevant institutions to protect our health workforce, uphold the rule of law and ensure that healthcare delivery is never compromised.”

As part of the measures, the Minister directed that any person who assaults, threatens, intimidates or harasses a health worker should be investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted under applicable criminal, civil or administrative laws.

He stressed that the absence of a specific law dealing exclusively with violence against health workers would not prevent offenders from being prosecuted, adding that sanctions, compensation and other legal remedies would be pursued where appropriate.

He also directed all Federal Tertiary Health Institutions to strengthen internal security, establish Violence Prevention Teams, and improve access control, surveillance, visitor identification systems, and security within emergency units and other sensitive service areas.

Hospital managements were further instructed to designate liaison officers to coordinate with law enforcement agencies while ensuring that security operations within hospital premises do not endanger patients, obstruct treatment, breach confidentiality or disrupt essential health services.

“In addition, every incident of assault, threat or harassment in health facilities must be promptly reported, investigated and documented, while affected workers are to receive appropriate institutional support. Serious cases are to be referred to relevant law enforcement, regulatory or human rights authorities,” the minister said.

He also ordered hospitals to strengthen complaint-handling mechanisms, improve communication with patients, and provide staff training in conflict prevention and de-escalation as part of broader efforts to enhance workplace safety, improve patient care and boost public confidence in health institutions.

The Minister noted that broader policy recommendations contained in the committee’s report would be presented to the next National Council on Health for consideration towards adopting a national framework applicable to federal, state and private health institutions.

He said implementation of the measures would be closely monitored through periodic progress reports submitted to the Coordinating Minister.

The minister, however, reaffirmed the federal government’s position that no grievance, disagreement or official assignment could justify violence against health workers or interference with healthcare delivery.

He said the Ministry would enforce existing laws, hold offenders accountable and take all lawful measures to protect health workers, secure health facilities and ensure uninterrupted patient care nationwide.