Dr. Osahon Enabulele, the former president of the World Medical Association (WMA), has issued a compelling call to action, emphasizing that violence against healthcare workers in Nigeria must be declared a national emergency if the country’s healthcare system is to have a secure future.
He underscored that this declaration of emergency must be accompanied by substantial investments in the healthcare system and a commitment to the well-being, working conditions, safety, and security of healthcare professionals.
Dr. Enabulele, serving as a guest lecturer at the 2nd induction and oath-taking ceremony for medical graduates of Edo State University, Uzairue, expressed deep concern about the prevailing violence targeting healthcare workers, including physicians, who are on the front lines of treating victims of conflicts and war. He lamented that despite their indispensable roles in society, healthcare workers are frequent victims of violence, a situation that seriously undermines Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system and contributes to a significant brain drain of these professionals from the country.
Furthermore, Dr. Enabulele called for thorough investigations into all forms of attacks against healthcare workers, demanding that those responsible be held accountable and brought to justice. He stressed the importance of active involvement from various stakeholders, including medical doctors, health professionals, and their respective associations, to effectively combat violence against healthcare workers.
Dr. Enabulele also highlighted the necessity of enhancing security for all Nigerians, both in healthcare settings and workplaces, while advocating for fair compensation, improved working conditions, and safe environments for medical workers.
